I've read some articles and posts about how to open the brood nest for swarm control, but I'm a little confused as to when to start the manipulation. I'd like to try this swarm prevention technique and would appreciate if people who successfully control swarming this way would discuss what goes into their decision of when to begin.
I have no intention of suggesting that this is the only swarm control technique, but at this point in my beekeeping hobby, I think it's a good place to start. I'm going into my third year and I don't have the empty comb yet to try checkerboarding although I plan to test that also when I have the resources. I realize there are other ways to try to control the swarming instinct, but this year I'm going to try opening the brood nest. Please don't let this thread turn into a "what's the best" way to prevent swarming. There are a lot of threads where that has been discussed. What I'd like to find out is what people think is the best way to open the brood nest.
If it helps, I live in zone 5 in north central Kansas, Chinese Elms can bloom anytime between the middle of Feb. to the first week in March with Maples about a week or less later. Dandelions usually show up around the middle of March, Red Bud around the middle of April and Apples about the first of May. I have two hives and maybe a nuc if it survives. (Keeping my fingers crossed)
Thanks for any help!
BB
I have no intention of suggesting that this is the only swarm control technique, but at this point in my beekeeping hobby, I think it's a good place to start. I'm going into my third year and I don't have the empty comb yet to try checkerboarding although I plan to test that also when I have the resources. I realize there are other ways to try to control the swarming instinct, but this year I'm going to try opening the brood nest. Please don't let this thread turn into a "what's the best" way to prevent swarming. There are a lot of threads where that has been discussed. What I'd like to find out is what people think is the best way to open the brood nest.
If it helps, I live in zone 5 in north central Kansas, Chinese Elms can bloom anytime between the middle of Feb. to the first week in March with Maples about a week or less later. Dandelions usually show up around the middle of March, Red Bud around the middle of April and Apples about the first of May. I have two hives and maybe a nuc if it survives. (Keeping my fingers crossed)
Thanks for any help!
BB