When healthy honey bee colonies reproduce, they cast off a “swarm” or a new colony of bees that typically hang in a cluster temporarily while shopping for a new hive cavity. Enter the Russian Scion, a simple swarm magnet that attracts these itinerant bees to a small platform that can be lowered and so the new swarm can be more easily caught (instead of climbing ladders to get them down from up high). A Russian scion is a useful tool for beekeepers worried about early-season swarms or just a way to capture passing bees and build up your apiary. The setup is easy to make with scraps you might have around the house or shop - just add beeswax and slum gum (byproduct of honey bee comb) and a scent lure such as lemon grass or a swarm-catching scent product. Too fun! #beefriendly #beelife