Originally Posted by
Calluna4u
These are really only suitable tips for those who are 'playing the averages'. Yes its a quick and simple way to be about 95% sure..............but
The downside is the time needed when there ARE issues..........makes operating double deeps with last year or older queens in the swarming season an unmanageable task. Have seen a team take all day in an apiary of doubles, a large proportion of which were into swarm preps. Its a major faff around trying to sort that mess out, not knowing where the queen is, and if she is a 'runny' type and fined down for flight........goes WAY over the time budget unless you get lucky.
If a full strength double DOES swarm and fly off then its Christmas for the recipient................rather less than Christmas for the beek who loses it. But in May you can knock down all the cells bar one (not two....ever! despite what tradition might say) and check again in a week and sort out any emergency cells they also start off...........and you can still have a cracker again for the heather in August.
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