How to Use Lemon Balm as a Swarm Lure for Bees
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is considered an excellent natural swarm lure for honey bees because it closely mimics the scent profile of the pheromones bees use to communicate — especially during swarming and nest-finding.
Here’s why lemon balm works so well:
🧪 1. Chemical Similarity to Nasonov Pheromone
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Honey bees release the Nasonov pheromone to signal other bees to a location, such as a new nest site.
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Lemon balm contains citral, geraniol, and nerol — volatile compounds that are chemically similar to the components of the Nasonov pheromone.
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This makes lemon balm smell familiar and attractive to bees searching for a new home.
🐝 2. Attracts Scout Bees
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During swarming, scout bees search for suitable nesting sites.
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If they detect lemon balm, they are more likely to investigate and, if suitable, lead the swarm to that location.
🌿 3. Natural and Readily Available
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Lemon balm is easy to grow, non-toxic, and a low-cost alternative to synthetic swarm lures.
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You can use it fresh by rubbing the leaves inside a bait hive or by using essential oil.
🏠 4. Enhances Bait Hive Appeal
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A bait hive smeared with lemon balm (or its oil) mimics a site that has already been visited or claimed by bees.
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It gives scout bees a chemical signal that the location may be safe and previously occupied.
🧴 How to Use Lemon Balm as a Swarm Lure
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Fresh leaves: Crush and rub them inside the bait hive or on the entrance.
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Essential oil: Use a few drops on a cotton ball inside the hive.
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Reapply regularly: The scent fades, so reapply every few days during swarming season.
🐝 Pro Tip:
To maximize success, combine lemon balm scent with:
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A properly sized bait hive (about 40 liters)
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Old brood comb (smells like a used hive)
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A good location (dry, shaded, 6–15 feet above ground)
Summary:
Lemon balm is a great swarm lure because it mimics bee pheromones, is natural and accessible, and helps scout bees identify a potential new home.