Swarm Control for Managed Beehives

Honey bee swarms are a normal sign of a productive and strong honey bee colony. The population of honey bees in the environment grows and genes are exchanged as the new queen in the parent colony mates with drones from other colonies in the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, this activity often...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sara DeBerry, John Crowley, James D. Ellis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries 2019-07-01
Series:EDIS
Online Access:https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/120345
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Summary:Honey bee swarms are a normal sign of a productive and strong honey bee colony. The population of honey bees in the environment grows and genes are exchanged as the new queen in the parent colony mates with drones from other colonies in the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, this activity often conflicts with the goals of the beekeeper, so good colony management includes swarm prevention. During the swarm season, hive owners should undertake proactive beekeeping practices to alter colonies in response to potential swarming behavior. In this way, the beekeeper maintains strong colonies with greater honey production and the potential to split and increase the total number of colonies, all of which makes beekeeping much more profitable for hive owners. Originally published November 2012; updated July 2019.
ISSN:2576-0009