I have tough luck with splits in the same yard. Even when I shake extra bees. So I haul them away to another yard few miles away. IMHO yes it does make a difference. But that is just me. Plenty folks split in same yard and have success but split has to be strong enough to allow for drifting. Did you close the entrances to a small size?
I also have problems with splits left in the same apiary. In the future I plan on moving them away.
Jim
