METHODS OF SPLITTING
The Pagden Method of Swarm Control
The Pagden method is the most commonly used method by new beekeepers and, to many, will simply be known as “artificial swarming”. Like all methods of artificially swarming bees, the Pagden method has numerous variations in use. However, the details below set out the basic principles of Pagden. Watch video
The Snelgrove Method of Swarm Control
The Snelgrove method was first described by Leonard E Snelgrove in his 1934 book, “Swarming - It’s Control and Prevention”. It follows on from decades of hive manipulation using various kinds of board to separate queen from brood. Leonard Snelgrove introduced his specific design of board that makes use of entrances above and below the board to “bleed” bees from one box to another. Watch video
This method produces a quantity of bees with the old queen which mimics a swarm (and can be treated as such).
It is intended to have a higher proportion of 'Young' or 'nurse bees' than can be achieved by just shaking.
The Taranov Board is named after its inventor, G. F. Taranov, a Russian beekeeper. This text is partly from an article, published by him in the Russian magazine "Pchelovdstvo" in 1947... Entitled "The artificial separation of the swarming bees from the parent colony". Watch video