When to split a hive?

[DuaneB]

When that are the signs that indicate that its time to split the hive?

My hive is 2 deep boxes. Did an inspection on Sunday and noticed 3 frames in the lower box that had swarm cells on the bottom of the frames. the queen isn't Nectar bound, as the top box has some frames with eggs in it. I was informed to put a couple of empty frames in the middle of the brood frames, so I did. I did this in both boxes. Was also informed NOT to remove the Swarm cells on the frames with them. Won't they still swarm?

Should I split the hive?

Thanks

[Wally]

IF they are going to swarm, then YES, they will swarm. If you remove the swarm cells, THEY WILL STILL SWARM, and your hive will die. Either split them by removing the queen into a nuc, or leave them alone. DO NOT remove the cells.