>  So, how do I prevent the bees from doing what comes very naturally to
>them?  Is it even possible?
>Otto


There are plenty of things you can do to slow or stop swarming. First, you
need to inspect your colonies for swarm preparations. Just because they
have a beard, doesn't mean swarming in imminent. You should begin swarm
control before they start making plans.

Not knowing where you are, it is difficult to say how to proceed. This is
what I do.

         First, I give all colonies a super as the Dandelion is beginning
to bloom...before the flow starts. Then, if there is a strong flow from
Dandelion/Fruit Bloom, there is somewhere for the nectar to go. What you
don't want, is nectar being placed in the broodnest where brood is
hatching. That is surely a trigger to start swarm preparations.
         Next, reverse the brood chamber on the Dandelion flow. This
disorganizes the broodnest, and places empty comb space at the top of the
broodnest, making the colony think they aren't really so crowded after all.
At the same time, add another super or two.
         This by itself will stop much swarming. If the bees are
constructing swarm cells...and they are still young cells, they can be cut
out. But, cutting cells can be a losing proposition. If you miss one, the
colony will swarm anyway. Every cell, and every cup with an egg must be
destroyed. Also, if there are mature cells, you must be sure they haven't
swarmed yet. If you cut the cells after they have swarmed, the colony is
doomed. Look in hatching brood for eggs. If there are plenty of freshly
laid eggs, then they probably haven't swarmed, and the cells can be safely
cut out. Once the bees start making honey, they will stop swarm
preparations...as long as they have enough empty super space to store their
nectar. Remember, nectar is 85% water, and takes up a lot of comb space
before being ripened into honey. Try to keep an empty super on top all
through the flow.
         In those colonies that are starting swarm preparations, you must
re-inspect in a week or so. Some will rebuild cells, and swarm...no matter
what you do. I believe these colonies want a new queen. Swarming is a
requeening process for the colony. Some requeen through supercedure, some
by swarming. If the colony persists in their desire to swarm, make a
nuc...replacing the combs taken from the parent with empty combs...and
place the nuc over the inner cover. The escape hole must be taped closed,
and an entrance given to the rear of the hive for the nuc. Give it a new
queen. In three weeks to a month, go below and kill the old queen, and
unite the parent with the nuc. Maintaining young queens in your colonies is
one of the best way to reduce swarming.

Hope this helps
Mike






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