> > I've gone to unwrapping earlier (March) in cases where the bees
> > bother the neighbours.  It noticably cuts down the bees flying around
> > when there is nothing to gather.
> >
> Could this be that the bees are needed to control the hive temperature?
 
Exactly, and it keeps them home - and also reduces dwindling.
 
We have considerable dwindling in strong hives during May if we don't
split them.  Smaller hives devote more effort to raising brood (per
bee and spend less time looking for something the (usually) isn't
there.
 
In fact a two storey hive with bees on the bottom of five frames May
1st  will often dwindle to a single if not split - in our area, at
least.
Regards
 
Allen
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                                         VE6CFK
RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0  Internet:[log in to unmask]
Honey. Bees, Art, & Futures <http://www.cuug.ab.ca:8001/~dicka>