I'm getting a little antsy waiting for the weather to break. Hope to make at least two splits. Not putting out traps, Chiggers and ticks are out of control in this area.Getting sick delayed swarm trap deployment, but I’m starting to feel better. One is better than none!A few squirts of Swarm Commander and some old comb and we’re ready for open house.
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Newbie question... What do you see in the hive that makes you decide to make a split?
I look at the frames that have a good number of nurse bees, eggs, larva, capped brood and a good amount of pollen and nectar stores and at least 5 frames showing this. The frames will have field bees that will return to the original hive, the age of the nurse bees will put them in the field soon enough. Look for queen cells with an egg or the queen in your split. I like to leave the queen in the home hive but it doesn't happen all the time, if not the bees will raise another if eggs are available.
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My wife renders the wax by placing the wax in a large coffee can which she then puts in a pot with a canning rack to keep it off the bottom of the pot, enough water to boil as not to float the coffee can, sort of a double boiler. Another option is an old crock pot that you don't need or want. One that has a warm, low and high temp knob. Formed into wax blocks for her candle making or when I want to coat foundation with an extra coat of fresh wax.
