benefitbee 5-Frame Swarm Catcher Trap Hive — 48L Universal Beehive with Patented Sliding-Frame Rails, Lightweight & Tool-Free

The Benefitbee 5-Frame Swarm Catcher is a lightweight, 48L universal trap hive with a patented sliding-frame mounting system designed to capture and house swarms across Langstroth, Dadant, UK and National frame sizes.

Designed for backyard beekeepers, swarm trappers and commercial apiarists, this trap hive combines a large internal volume with adjustable frame rails so you can accept incoming scout bees and transfer a colony without custom fittings. Built from durable materials and reinforced with a stainless steel keel, the unit supports heavy loads while remaining light enough for one-person handling. Its tool-free, multi-purpose layout allows quick conversion between a capture trap, temporary transfer box and emergency backup hive.

How does the sliding mounting system make this trap hive truly universal?

The patented sliding rails let you set the frame spacing anywhere between approximately 32 and 49 cm, accommodating common frame standards such as Langstroth, Dadant, UK and National. That removes the need to buy different boxes for different frame types.

• Adjustable rail range fits mainstream frame sizes without modification
• Patented slide locks securely at chosen spacing for stable frames
• Accepts five frames to provide realistic comb spacing for scouts

Why does the 48L capacity matter for swarm capture success?

Swarming bees look for a sheltered cavity with appropriate volume and entrance conditions; this 48L interior replicates that attractive space. The five-frame layout and internal dimensions encourage scout bees to select the box and recruit their colony, improving capture odds compared with very small or poorly proportioned traps.

• Large internal volume offers comfortable living space for scout groups
• Five-frame configuration mimics standard hive geometry
• Optimized entrance and internal space help scout recruitment

Can I use the Benefitbee trap for other beekeeping tasks?

Yes. The trap is engineered for multiple uses: swarm catching, temporary relocation of a cluster and as an emergency backup brood box. Its tool-free operation and lightweight build let you reconfigure quickly in the field.

• Works as a temporary transfer box during hive moves
• Acts as an emergency brood chamber or holding box
• Tool-free setup and conversion save time during urgent operations

How robust and portable is the design for real-world apiary work?

Benefitbee built the trap with a stainless steel keel that supports the base and delivers more than 70 lbs load capacity, while the empty box weighs about 8 lbs. That combination gives serious durability for heavy colony loads and easy handling when transporting or mounting at height.

• Stainless steel keel provides heavy-duty support and long life
• Over 70 lbs load-bearing capacity for full colonies or frames
• 8 lb empty weight for safer single-person carrying and ladder work

Who is this for? The Benefitbee 5-Frame Swarm Catcher is made for hobbyist and professional beekeepers who need a versatile, reliable trap hive that fits multiple frame standards. It's ideal for swarm trappers who require higher capture rates, beekeepers who want a convenient temporary transfer box during moves, and commercial operations needing a durable, easy-to-handle backup hive. Because it accepts common frame types and supports heavy loads, it suits both small apiaries and larger-scale beekeeping where efficiency and interchangeability matter.