In a message dated 09/08/03 05:03:14 GMT Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << Invariably a stressed plant would bloom at the wrong time, and I wonder if the bees are doing the same. I captured a few late swarms to use as nucs, but their timing is really weird since there is very little flow before goldenrods. Have you observed an increased swarming activity during drought? >> Yoon, We in the UK have had a second swarmy year and I believe that it is connected with uncertain weather. In our case rain confining bees to the hive and in your case drought so there are no flowers producing nectar. In both cases to effect is the same. The bees that should be foraging are hanging around the hive. They are safe there so they are not being picked off by all the wildlife that eats bees and they aren't working themselves to death. Assuming that you don't have one of the economical strains that shuts down brood rearing in adverse conditions the hive population will be increasing much more quickly than normal because the older bees are not dying. This leads to rapid congestion in the hive, breakdown in queen pheromene distribution and swarming at the first opportunity. The solution is to add supers, not to hold mythical nectar but to hold the surplus bees. If you can hold them together until the nectar flows again you will have a massive foraging force to take advantage of it. Chris :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::