When does "swarm season" end (or does it)?

[derrick1p1]

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

[Sean Kelly]

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

[IndianaBrown]

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.

...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!

[Scadsobees]

A swarm of bees in July
Is not worth a fly.

It's worth at least a box of drawn foundation! :-D