In three to four weeks, spray the old nest with a nonresidual insecticide, such as resmethrin, to kill the queen and any remaining workers. Then remove the trap and allow the bees in the decoy hive to go back in the building to retrieve their honey. Two weeks later, remove the hive and close up the nest entrance. Destroy the honey if the colony has been poisoned with an insecticide. Trapping is usually not practical and results may be unsatisfactory.
Few beekeepers are interested in trapping.
Trapping Method Swarm Control Measures Allowing swarms of honey bees to leave on their own is often the best approach. A swarm of bees will remain clustered until scout bees have located a suitable site for permanent nesting. In two days or less, the swarm will usually break the cluster and fly away. If it is necessary to remove a swarm, be sure to contact a local beekeeper, who usually will be happy to get the swarm of bees and provide them a new home. Names of beekeepers willing to take swarms are available at the Ohio State University County Extension Office, Ohio State University Extension Entomology Department, and Ohio Department of Agriculture, Apiary Section.