I know that spring is a time to watch for swarming and to take preventative measures, but is there a time frame in which swarming is no longer a concern. Considering the issues I've had with swarming this year, I'm wondering if I should maybe still put out some empty/used supers to trap any if it isnt' too late?
Derrick
I've heard of hives swarming right up into winter. It's more common in spring. Keep traps out, it's like fishing!
Sean Kelly
Old poem:
A swarm of bees in May
Is worth a load of hay;
A swarm of bees in June
Is worth a silver spoon;
A swarm of bees in July
Is not worth a fly.
Most swarming in my area seems to happen between the beginning of May and the middle of June, but it depends on many factors. I got a swam call at the end of September last year. I put them in my observation hive and they did fine. I like to think that I 'saved' them since they would have had a hard time building up enough honey for winter in the wild.
Quote
...but is there a time frame in which swarming is no longer a concern.
Search for Walt Wright's articles about swarming and swarm prevention for some solid theories about the whole process. And of course check out Michael Bush's site!
Quote from: IndianaBrown on May 23, 2008, 01:25:56 AM
A swarm of bees in July
Is not worth a fly.
It's worth at least a box of drawn foundation! :-D