In a recent post, Gary Lewis mentioned getting ready to increase next year and I assume he was talking about splits. FWIW, I have just about given up on splits and make my increases using bait hive captures, 4 in 97 and 3 this year. Although these hives begin later in the season than do the splits, they seem more vigorous and winter better. The bait hives are 5 frame boxes with one or more old, drawn combs. So far, I have not used pheromones but intend to try them next year. The bait hives are hung or shelved in trees that I can conveniently service with an 8' ladder. They seem to be more successful when placed along flyways of sorts, such as railroads, roads or rivers. This is NE Penna. Goldenrod, aster, and Japanese bamboo (just completed} Burns