Hi All
 
This is my second year at beekeeping, and I am presently trying to get a firm
grip on swarm control, especially as I have hives in a suburban garden.
 
I have been reading many books, and I have put together a flowchart to assist
me in seeing the various requirements at a glance.
 
I show below the flowchart in narrative form together with the development of
the Queen Cell on which it is based.
 
I would love to obtain some feed back on this, in case I am making assumptions
which may lead to a flawed procedure.
 
Thanks for all input, and thanks to all who gave me data on soap making.
 
Sincerely
Tom Barrett
49 South Park
Foxrock
Dublin 18
Ireland
 
e mail [log in to unmask]
Tel + 353 1 289 5269
Fax + 353 1 289 9940
 
Latitude  53 Deg North
Longitude 06 Deg West
 
 
Development of Queen Cell
 
Day No    Status      Days to Swarm
  1       Egg               8
  2       Egg               7
  3       Egg               6
  4       Unsealed Larva    5
  5       Unsealed Larva    4
  6       Unsealed Larva    3
  7       Unsealed Larva    2
  8       Unsealed Larva    1
  9       Sealed Larva      0  Swarm normally issues
 
 
Hive Examination with Queen present.
 
In terms of Queen Cells (QCs), what do you see as the most developed cell?
 
NONE or DRY QCs
 
        Swarm could issue in 9 days
        Is there enough room?
        If NO, add frames or a super
        Next Examination - 8 days
 
Eggs in QCs
 
        Swarm could issue in 6 to 8 days
        Is there enough room?
        If NO, add frames or a super
        Next Examination - 5 days
 
Unsealed Larva
 
        Swarm could issue in 1 to 5 days
        Initiate Swarm Control procedures.
 
The next examination is always 1 day ahead of the possible issue of a
swarm.
 
If the bees have not given up the swarming impulse, you will always see
unsealed QCs at the next inspection.