Bob wrote:
How can you tell when a swarm leaves in Sept. if they are swarming or
abscounding?
During the spring when a hive swarms it is my observation that swarm cells
are well underway before the hive swarms. Were Dave or Jim able to check
any of the September swarming colonies in a timely manner for the presence
of swarm cells? Lack of mature cells might indicate absconding over
swarming.
A possible cause in some situations might be when supers are removed
earlier than normal for the purpose of treatments leading to crowded hives
which when combined with warm weather or a good late flow could cause
swarming.
Rob
Cornwall, Ont
45'N 75'W
Good bees this spring, under 10% loss on 800 hives.
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