How to Find a Bee Nest

Locate an area that you think might contain wild bee nests. A large, open field is a good location to begin your search. On your computer, use Google Maps or a similar satellite imagery system to look at the aerial view of the area you are searching. Print out a copy of the map.

Set up three bait stations in the field by placing an aluminum pie pan filled with rocks on a cardboard box. Pour sugar water or honey into the pie pan around the rocks.

Repeat this at 50 to 100 yard intervals two more times along a straight line in the field.

Begin catching honey bees in the area using a glass jar. Release the bees at each of the bait stations. The bees will quickly fill up on the sugar water or honey, then fly in a straight line back to the colony. They will also begin to bring their bee friends back for more.

Observe the bees. Take note of the direction they are flying from each bait station. This is the bee line.

Draw a straight line on the map, using the ruler and pencil, from each of the bait station locations along each bee line from the bait stations. This will allow you to triangulate the approximate location of the colony. The colony is likely where the lines intersect.

Use the map to search the area on foot. Look for local bee activity, particularly bees returning from the bait stations. This will help you to pinpoint the location of the colony.