Malcolm,
I agree it buys you time if you are able to do inspections regularly.
The question was prevention in absentia.  Clipping only prevents the old queen from
queen from leaving with the first swarm.  She winds up on the ground
and may find her way back to the hive by walking but is soon driven out
by the bees that still have it in their limited minds that they want to
swarm.  The first swarm is then led by a young virgin.  Thus you have
still lost the field bees.  I do not believe that clipping buys time
if you aare not keeping up on the bees.  Artificial swarming satisfies
the urge but is only useful as a last resort when you are doing regular
inspections and find preparations under way.
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+    Raymond J. Lackey                                     +
+    Beekeeper 10 years with 25 colonies on Long Island, NY+
+    INTERNET: [log in to unmask]                       +
+    Mail: 1260 Walnut Avenue, Bohemia NY 11617            +
+    Home Phone: 516-567-1936  FAX: 516-262-8053           +
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