There is a modicum of simplicity here. She won't go until there are at least drones in the colony, so until there is emerging drone brood you can consider yourself safe from swarming. Of course, by some quirk of fate, there are still drones in the colony (again, very unlikely), all options are open!
Well, I have never seen one go earlier than that, but I dare say someone has.
What would set the colony on an early swarming course would be lack of space - laying and storing - so judicious use of Q/Es and leaving plenty of storage space for any strong nectar flow is important.
Weather conditions are important where bees are concerned. We are still deep in the winter season at present and I doubt even in your location she is laying strongly yet.
RAB
Well, I have never seen one go earlier than that, but I dare say someone has.
What would set the colony on an early swarming course would be lack of space - laying and storing - so judicious use of Q/Es and leaving plenty of storage space for any strong nectar flow is important.
Weather conditions are important where bees are concerned. We are still deep in the winter season at present and I doubt even in your location she is laying strongly yet.
RAB
