I am a small hobbyist with two hives at the moment. I don't find swarming a problem. Last year I had a hive swarm "eleven" times that I know of-obviously poor management on my part. One that was 'reachable' was snagged by a friend - I 'snatched' one for myself - the others went way up in the trees and and took off within ten minutes or so. If I , or a friend, can't have them, that's okay with me - adds to the ferals - which seem to me need to be added too after the mite decimations. BTW - for those who may be interested, my software program has changed its name from "BeeWorks" to "The HoneyBee" - more descriptive. It is about 80% completed at the moment, with the addition of some more great close-up photos from fellow BEE-L'er P-O Gustafsson. A couple of you have contributed some great stories. I also appreciate the fact that nobody objected to the use of the BEE-L "Best & Worst Honeys" opinions being used in the program. Once again when it is finished I will post that info to BEE-L - where it is uploaded too, or how it can be obtained from me. Al Needham "Hobbyist" Scituate, MA, USA [log in to unmask]