Swarms and Requeening

All the rainy weather we have been having causes increased swarming activity.  The adult bees stay inside during the rainy days and this leads to a feeling of congestion.  So, swarm preparations begin and on the first sunny day possible the colony swarms.  This is usually not good for the beekeeper who wants to make honey not more colonies.  The rainy weather can also cause a 1 - 2 punch.  Days and days or rainy weather can prevent proper mating of the virgin queens that are left behind in the mother colony.  Beekeepers have to be vigilant to check for queen right conditions as the summer progresses.