too early for swarming? in north ks. hove a newly built hive baited with swarm commander. about 20 ft. from occupied hive. i see large numbers of bees in the air and entering the new hive. lots of bees on the outside of the occupied hive. the temp is in the 80s however they are saying we will get temp in the 30s soon. if they do swarm into the new hive should i feed.syrup , pollen? :shocked:
If there is no food available, yes. That being said, bees normally swarm during a flow so you should not need to feed them. Remember feeding is the main cause of robbing.
Jim Altmiller
I will have to disagree with Jim here. After June, I will agree with him, but in April, I would feed a new colony either until they filled the first box or quit taking it.
In my area, April, May and June is our best flow. After June I would need to feed, feed ,feed.