Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Orlando on August 26, 2013, 09:21:25 pm

Title: Swarm from smoke?
Post by: Orlando on August 26, 2013, 09:21:25 pm

Hello I am in lower NY (hudson valley). Goldenrod, purple loosestrife in bloom.

My hives have been really working and alot of activity in and outside of hives.

The last two times I have worked my hives with smoke (1 week ago and today), I have found a swarm nearby on both occassions. Both good sized swarms. Caught both and put in boxes.

Any correlation between the smoking and swarming? Or was it just due to the nectar flow or both? Odds of them making it?

Thanks so much.

Title: Re: Swarm from smoke?
Post by: iddee on August 26, 2013, 09:45:17 pm

No connection. Swarms begin prep weeks before leaving the hive.

Here, maybe a 10% chance they would make it with heavy feeding.

N.Y., I would kill the queen and combine with another hive.

Title: Re: Swarm from smoke?
Post by: millipede on August 26, 2013, 09:55:24 pm

I need some queens lol
Send them to me.