A 5-frame bait box of 1x12 pine with a 1 1/4 in entrance, a lid and a ratchet strap, to hang in a tree to catch a swarm.
Draft plan, generated from the model. Not yet build-tested.
8.75 x 19.875 x 9.625 inSize
10 to 15 ftHang at
2 to 3 hrBuild time
~$91.67Materials, part estimate
Drawings All dimensions in inches
3D viewfinishedFront elevationRight elevationPlan viewfrom above
Cut list: lumber Long-point lengths; angles noted
Qty
Stock
Length
Part
Cut
1
1x12
21 7/8
Lid
overhangs the box
1
1x12
19 7/8
Side front
ripped to 9.625 in, on edge
1
1x12
19 7/8
Side back
ripped to 9.625 in, on edge
1
1x12
19 7/8
Floor
ripped to 8 3/4 in
1
1x12
9 5/8
End left
ripped to 9 5/8 in; 1 1/4 in entrance near the bottom
1
1x12
9 5/8
End right
ripped to 9 5/8 in
1
2x2
6
Handle
laid flat, for the strap
Lumber cutting diagram Lengths chosen for the lowest cost; 1/8 in kerf, 1/2 in end trim
1x12 x 8 ft
Lid 21 7/8Side front 19 7/8Side back 19 7/8Floor 19 7/8End left 9 5/8
1x12 x 8 ft
End right 9 5/8
2x2 x 8 ft
Handle 6
Shopping list $79.67 checked / $12.00 estimated
Item
Store
Qty
Each
Line
Note
1x12x8 pine board
Home Depot
2
$28.42
$56.84
see lumber cutting diagram
2x2x8 furring strip
Home Depot
1
$2.97
$2.97
see lumber cutting diagram
Swarm lure and trap bait
Beekeeping supplier
1
$12.00
$12.00
Ratchet tie-down strap, 15 ft x 1 in (Everest)
Home Depot
1
$8.39
$8.39
Exterior wood screws #9 x 2.5 in, 1 lb box
Home Depot
1
$11.47
$11.47
Total before tax
~$91.67
Filled dot: price read from a store listing on Oct 20, 2026. Hollow dot: estimate. Prices come from the master price list, so they change when it changes.
Build steps
Rip the 1x12 to 9 5/8 in for the four walls and 8 3/4 in for the floor, and cut the sides to 19 7/8 in and the ends to 7 1/4 in.
Screw the walls together, sides outside the ends, and the floor on from below, with a 1/4 in gap at one corner for drainage.
Drill a 1 1/4 in entrance hole 1 in from the bottom, in the middle of one end.
Screw the lid on, a 11 1/4 x 22 in board with a 1x2 handle, and rub a swarm lure inside, along with a few old frames, if you have them.
Hang the trap in a tree 10 to 15 ft up, in shade, facing south, and strap it with a ratchet strap. Check it every week in swarm season.
Before you start
A swarm trap is a bait hive: a scout bee finds it, and a swarm moves in. It is cheap and takes no beekeeping skill, but you will need a hive for the swarm.
A volume of 40 liters is what a swarm picks: this box holds about 25 liters. Use an old frame or two as bait.
Set several traps in different trees. Do it in spring, when swarms are flying.
Draft drawings generated from the model. Build one before selling this plan. Bee equipment sizes follow the common Langstroth standard; check them against your supplier's frames before cutting.