Alternative to splitting for swarm control

2332 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by garlorco, Apr 20, 2021

garlorco

Discussion Starter · #1 · Apr 15, 2021

I have eight hives that wintered well and are strong. Seems that feeding them pollen early pushes production. These hives are located away from inhabited property.

Here is my question. What is wrong with putting up multiple swarm traps and allowing the bees to do their own splits instead of opening the hives and manipulating them manually? I understand that a downside to this in residential areas would be trouble for your neighbors but I'm wondering if bees can be guided through providing enough habitat to entice them to use the swarm traps?
I would love to hear opinions about doing this.

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Gray Goose

· Registered

5 ,8 ,10 frame, and long Lang

Joined Sep 4, 2018

5,841 Posts

#9 · Apr 20, 2021

garlorco said:
Thank you for all your replies. I have much to think about. So much of this (hobby) is about learning. I will get a system down for doing manual swarm control. Just need to find what works for me. I love this community!

As well you "should" split the hives that have the best characteristics, not the ones who get to swarming first.

split from the best for gain/replacement, use the worst for NUC/Split building to hopefully make small gains in you characteristics.

random events is a plan, there could however be a better one.

GG