> The only problem is that it's likely too labor intensive for commercial applications.

Actually, I learned a similar method working for a man who was running 2000 hives, and with no permanent help. We would go through the brood nest of every hive in spring. If the queen was seen, we would pull surplus brood. If the queen was not seen, we would put it on top over an excluder after shaking off the bees.

The difference here is that the brood was not left on the hive but given to other hives that weren't so far along. (Equalizing the brood). Additionally, any brood that was left over would be used to make nucs. Most beekeepers realize that taking brood out of the hive before they swarm is beneficial, whether you give it away, or pile it on top over an excluder.

PLB

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