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View Full Version : Pre-swarm indicators?



wayacoyote
04-23-2005, 02:07 PM
I've gleened a little here and a little there regarding preswarm indicators such as: bees start restricting the brood nest, queen cuts back egg production, production of "swarm cells," etc... I was hoping that those of you with a lot of experience could expand on the cues that you look for in diagnosing preswarming behavior, being specific in describing each... If you would, don't assume I know anything... cause I really don't when it comes to recognizing swarming tendancy ;)

WayaCoyote

Chef Isaac
04-23-2005, 05:54 PM
I learned this from another beekeeper. He mentioned one way you can tell if they are going to swarm is if the queen starts to lay more than normal drone cells earlier than normal.

Michael Bush
04-23-2005, 07:20 PM
They always raise drones in teh spring. It's what they do. The first thing I notice that is spcific for swarming is when the brood nest starts to fill up with honey.