>That's a trick question.

It was not intended that way.

>30% losses are manageable.  If you have really low losses, the beekeeper ends up with too many bees the next spring and they end up hanging in trees.

Might be manageable, but is it desirable (obviously not for the colonies that die).  It suggests to me that there is something very wrong somewhere.  Swarming can be reduced by breeding.  Surely lower losses and less swarmy bees is a better situation?  Too many better than not enough?

The loss of some swarms might also help restore a feral population.

Best wishes
 
Peter
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

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