[David LaFerney]

It's probably best to re queen with well mated queens whenever possible - very early queens are more likely to mate during less than ideal weather and when fewer drones are available.

 

[David LaFerney]

What is the definition of a very early queen?

How do you know you have a well mated queen until you have observed her laying pattern/durability for half a season?

Very early depends on location and year to year conditions of course. Here April weather can be iffy, May has much fewer cold rainy spells.

You don't really know if a queen is good until she has lasted a long time. You know they can perform well then play out pretty suddenly, but prime time queens seem more likely to remain productive longer. Around here that is probably those mated after the middle of April.

Sorry, I didn't notice this was the commercial forum to begin with or I would have stayed out of it. You guys know your business.

 

[David LaFerney]

No biggie David. I didn't mean anything by my questions. I just like to observe other folks thoughts, especially when it comes to well mated queens and varying opinions.

I appreciate that. Still, you commercial guys are the pros - I'm glad to be able to learn from you.

 

[David LaFerney]

Is that effective at swarm prevention?

 

[David LaFerney]

I wasn't implying that it wouldn't work - I just hadn't heard of it before. I guess it would need to be a spring queen?