4. GIVE THEM SPACE

If colonies of bees do not have sufficient space, they WILL swarm. However, giving them sufficient space is only a small part of a swarm management strategy. You should aim to ensure the bees always have at least one empty box of frames above them at all times, with the only exception being, the last few weeks of the beekeeping season. 

5. KEEP THEM BUSY

Keeping bees busy by adding fresh foundation is an excellent swarm management technique. It's not a fool proof method and should be used in conjunction with other techniques. The process of drawing wax seems to keep the bees occupied on expanding the existing colony as opposed to swarming and trying to find somewhere new to live!

6. DON'T BREED FROM THEM

Making Splits from Queen Cells is EASY - Check out our video on how to do it HERE. But it comes with its own risks. Swarming is a genetic trait that all bees possess. However, some bees do seem to have a propensity to swarm more than others. By making splits with colonies that are proven to swarm regularly, you are propagating this negative trait.