I've been trying my best to deter bees from swarming. Really working hard at keeping the brood nests open like I've read/learned. 2 swarmed already, but crummy weather was kept me out of the hives for over a week at one point. 2 hives already swarmed, but remaining 3 I opened brood up again to give more space, etc. The remaining hives from those that swarmed, were quite weak, so I combined a few days later and seems to be doing well. Just hoping queens emerge, mate and start laying.
Our main flow starts May 1st. Will I need to continue to worry about swarming during the heavy flow...or will they begin storing in earnest and not have the usual tendancy to swarm?