We also routinely combine colonies. When there is any sort of nectar flow
on, we seldom observe fighting. We simply smoke and combine.
If no flow is on, we use a scented sugar syrup spray on both sets of bees
to mask their colony odors. Or we use newspaper.
And yes, there is occasionally serious fighting. As did Pete, sometimes
adding a swarm to an existing colony can cause mayhem.
--
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com
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