Swarm Commander Review (2025): Does This Bee Lure Really Work?
- Pete Rizzo
- Dec 1, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 26
As a beekeeper, there’s nothing quite as exciting as spotting a wild swarm in flight. It’s a chance to expand your apiary or help a colony settle somewhere safe.
But luring a swarm into your hive setup isn’t always easy. That's where swarm lures come in, and Swarm Commander is one of the most talked-about options out there.
So does Swarm Commander actually work? Let’s break it down from real-world experience.
What Is Swarm Commander?
Swarm Commander is a synthetic pheromone lure that mimics the Nasonov pheromone, the chemical scout bees use to mark a good nesting location.
The idea is simple: by spraying it inside a hive, you trick the swarm into thinking their sisters have already given the spot a thumbs-up.
We’ve used it for several seasons at Vegas Bees, and while it’s not a guarantee, it has definitely helped us attract more bees.
Our 5-Star Review: What We Love About Swarm Commander
Let’s get straight to it: we give Swarm Commander a 5-star rating—and here’s why:
It’s easy to use: Just a few spritzes in your bait hive or swarm trap.
It smells great: No joke. It’s got a pleasant lemony scent, like lemongrass oil, but more refined.
We've had results: Several of our traps have successfully captured swarms within days of using it.
🛠️ Great for proactive swarm management: Especially during peak swarm season in spring.
What You Need to Know Before You Use It
Even the best lure won’t work if you skip the basics. Here’s what matters just as much as Swarm Commander:
Hive Location Matters
Bees prefer shaded, elevated, dry spaces near forage and water.
Avoid direct sun, windy ridge lines, or areas with heavy human traffic.
Make the Hive Irresistible
Use drawn comb or wax foundation to make it feel like home.
Keep it clean and well-ventilated.
A properly set-up trap with Swarm Commander is far more effective than a bare hive with no scent.
Timing Is Everything
Best results come in spring and early summer when colonies are naturally splitting.
Scout bees need time, don't expect same-day results.
Swarm Commander Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Easy to apply | Not guaranteed to work every time |
Pleasant scent | Can be pricey for hobbyists |
Pairs well with other techniques | Some users report mixed results |
Increases swarm catch potential | Must be stored properly to retain potency |
Hive Appeal: It's Not Just About the Lure
Even with the most enticing lure, if your hive isn’t up to a bee’s standards, they might just buzz right on by. Make sure your hive is clean, well-ventilated, and equipped with wax foundation frames, as bees are attracted to structures that feel like home.
Where to Buy & How Much It Costs
Swarm Commander is widely available online, usually in a 2 oz spray bottle or a concentrated gel format. Prices range from $18–$40 depending on size and seller.
We recommend purchasing from reputable suppliers or directly from SwarmCommander.com to ensure freshness.
We have no affiliation with them and do not get compensated by them either.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re serious about catching swarms, yes, it’s worth having a bottle on hand.
It’s not a guarantee, and it’s not a crutch. But paired with solid beekeeping practices, Swarm Commander can absolutely improve your success rate.
It’s one of those products we always keep stocked in our bee mobile, especially when we’re setting traps in early spring.
Final Verdict
Swarm Commander isn’t a gimmick. It’s a tool. And in the hands of an experienced beekeeper, or even a swarm catching hobbyist, it can tilt the odds in your favor.
We’ve had enough positive results to confidently give it a 5-star rating. Just don’t skip the fundamentals: good hive placement, swarm-season timing, and proper trap setup still matter more than any spray.
Use it smartly, and you’ll be catching swarms in no time.
We love Swarm Commander and give it our 5 star rating. We have always had good experiences with it, and it smells really nice.
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.
