Hello All! Well, it's January now so I guess we frightened, apprehensive, new-bees can start some threads on spring management! I am entering into my third season of beekeeping, and have two hives, both started last year from 5 pound packages. (I lost all ONE of my hives the year before to mites and ignorance). The packages did very well last year, and seemed very strong going into winter. I took my honey off early, (1st week in Sept.) and left the fall flow for the bees, I also treated with Apistan as soon as my honey was off and did not seem to have a great mite problem when I closed up for the winter. Recent inspections on our recent 65-70 degree days have revealed a lot of activity, and the hives still seem fairly heavy with stores. My question is this. I plan to split both of my hives this year to head of swarming and to increase my number of hives from two to four. I know this is a VERY regional thing with times varying widely based on climate, but I would appreciate some tips from you on how to proceed, what to look for, and any horrifying/great success stories you may have. I plan to review "The_Hive_and_the_Honeybee" for more tip/procedures, and would also appreciate more reading suggestions. Thank you very much, for myself, and other beginners who will benefit from this thread. Steve Creasy- Maryville, Tennessee, USA Prov. 24:13, 25:16