>>It may be too early for you, but here in the Highlands of Scotland the girls have been kicking the drones out for at least a week.

I live on Long Island just east of Brooklyn which is where John Howe was writing from.  Actually Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, lies on the south-western end of Long Island. :))  I am in the process of mating 2 more virgins and still see sealed drone brood on the frames.  The bees are kicking wasps & occasional bumblee bees out but not drones. :)

I typically see drones in the hives into October, sometimes November.

No doubt, drone evictions are region and bee race dependent.

Waldemar
Long Island, NY

PS.  I've some issues of the Scottish Beekeeper - a very nice publication indeed.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::