[username00101]

Some of my hives continue to swarm. I have caught 2 large swarms, but it's already nearly the end of July. I live in the northeast, so the season is about halfway over.

Seems unlikely to me that each individual swarm will be able to draw out 20 frames and get a large population by the end of September.

Here are my options:

1. Newspaper combine 2 large swarms, both with queens.
2. Set up 2 separate colonies, and newspaper combine before winter.

Thanks.

 

[JWPalmer]

Start them off in nucs and add a second 5 frame deep as they grow. A 5 over 5 nuc will do just fine in your area. Probably get away with a single 5 frame deep if you keep the feed on them. To put it in perspective, I am still making walk away splits here in Richmond and our climates are similar. Mine will overwinter as single 5 frame deeps. I was 9 for 9 last year doing this.

 

[GregB]

Some of my hives continue to swarm. I have caught 2 large swarms, but it's already nearly the end of July. I live in the northeast, so the season is about halfway over.

Seems unlikely to me that each individual swarm will be able to draw out 20 frames and get a large population by the end of September.

Here are my options:

1. Newspaper combine 2 large swarms, both with queens.
2. Set up 2 separate colonies, and newspaper combine before winter.

Thanks.

They will draw - not a problem, be it even August.
Just be sure - there is a flow (either natural or artificial; feed, to be safe).
Swarms are ALL about building - they will - but they must have flow to build upon.

Well, if don't care about increase - then combine.

PS, as JWP said - you don't need 20 frames for winter; 10 well set frames is all you need.