What Should I Do If My Hive Contains QueenCells?
Many beekeepers instinctively remove queen cells during hive inspections, mistakenly thinking this will prevent swarming. However, the key is to remain calm and composed; simply removing queen cells is not an effective swarm control strategy. Eradicating a significant number of queen cells can actually hasten the swarming process, as the colony is likely to produce even more queen cells, sometimes even before the original ones are sealed. Eliminating queen cells repeatedly can lead to swarming due to the absence of potential queens, potentially causing a delay in the swarming process and resulting in a larger primary swarm than anticipated. Swarming is seldom a direct response to beekeeper actions. Instead, beekeepers should adopt appropriate management practices to address the situation effectively. Regular hive inspections can reveal early signs of swarming, such as open or partially sealed queen cells, suggesting the primary swarm has not yet occurred. The next step involves creating an artificial swarm, ensuring the old queen is present, which varies depending on the colony's current stage and whether it has already swarmed. Implementing various management tactics can help prevent secondary swarms and minimize bee loss. By carefully monitoring for the onset of swarming, beekeepers can act decisively to protect their bees, maximize honey production, and avoid ending up with a queenless colony. Occasionally, colonies may abandon swarming plans and remove queen cells, possibly due to abundant nectar flow or the beekeeper's intervention, such as removing brood frames and introducing foundation. Predicting nectar flows or the effectiveness of such interventions is challenging, with varying outcomes.
Hive Diagnosis
One of the most important skills for beekeepers to have is the ability to correctly assess the condition of their hive. A sophisticated comprehension of bee biology and behaviour is necessary to comprehend the existence of queen cells, which can indicate different colony transitions. This type of specialised cell can signal a colony's plans to swarm, find a new queen to replace an old one, or bounce back following the sudden death of the queen. Therefore, understanding their presence is crucial for predicting the colony's future actions and making sure it stays healthy and productive.
The formation of swarm cells along the comb's edges is a common result of swarming, a natural method of colony reproduction. By identifying these cells and comprehending their significance, beekeepers may proactively address swarming inclinations by doing things like making new splits or modifying hive area. On the other side, if supersedure or emergency queen cells occur, it might mean that the colony is unhappy with its existing queen or that the queen died suddenly. In this case, a different strategy to management is needed to help the colony through the transition.
Not only must the number of queen cells be counted, but their placement, developmental stage, and the overall health and behaviour of the colony must also be taken into account when evaluating the hive's state. Through this comprehensive approach, beekeepers may identify the root reasons of queen cell development and devise tactics that meet the demands of the colony, resulting in a strong and flourishing bee community.
Identifying the Stage of Your Colony
Identifying the stage of your bee colony is crucial for timely and effective beekeeping decisions, particularly concerning queen cell formation and swarm management. In the pre-swarming stage, a colony displays increased activity and may start building queen cups, hinting at preparations for queen rearing and eventual swarming. Recognizing these early signs, such as an uptick in drone production and overcrowding, can alert beekeepers to imminent swarming.
As a colony enters the swarming phase, you'll observe the development of swarm cells, typically located at the periphery of the comb. This is a critical period for intervention to prevent loss of a significant portion of your workforce. Post-swarm, the colony may appear quieter, with reduced activity levels as it recovers and reorganizes under a new queen.
Understanding these stages allows beekeepers to intervene appropriately—whether by creating splits, managing space, or assisting in the queen rearing process—to ensure the health and productivity of the colony through its natural cycles.
Importance of Queen Cells in Diagnosis
The presence and positioning of queen cells within a bee hive serve as vital clues to understanding the colony's health and intentions. These specialized cells, designed to rear new queens, can indicate a variety of colony states—from swarming intentions to emergency queen replacement. For instance, swarm cells are often found at the edges of frames, signaling a colony's preparation to reproduce and split. This requires beekeepers to possibly take preemptive measures to manage swarming or use it as an opportunity for hive expansion.
Conversely, emergency queen cells, usually constructed in haste when a colony is suddenly queenless, can appear scattered throughout the comb. Their presence calls for immediate attention to ensure the colony's survival. Supersedure cells, found on the comb's face, suggest a more planned replacement of an underperforming queen, reflecting a natural self-regulation process within the hive.
Interpreting these signs correctly enables beekeepers to tailor their management strategies effectively, supporting the colony's health and productivity through its natural lifecycle and challenges.
Swarm cells
Swarm cells are a clear indicator of a bee colony's intention to swarm and reproduce. These cells are typically found at the bottom or edges of the frames, a placement that differentiates them from supersedure or emergency cells. Swarm cells are larger, more peanut-shaped structures, meticulously prepared by the worker bees as they plan to split the colony. The development of multiple swarm cells suggests that the colony feels cramped or that the current queen's pheromone strength is waning. Recognizing these signs allows beekeepers to take timely actions, such as hive splitting or space management, to control swarming and guide the colony's growth trajectory, ensuring its health and vitality.
Characteristics of Swarm Cells
Swarm cells possess unique characteristics that enable beekeepers to accurately predict and potentially mitigate swarming events. These cells are typically constructed at the periphery of the comb, often on the bottom edges of frames, which distinguishes them from other types of queen cells like emergency or supersedure cells. Their strategic placement facilitates the easy departure of a new queen with a portion of the colony when swarming occurs.
Swarm cells are meticulously crafted, larger, and more elongated than other queen cells, resembling a peanut in shape. This design is optimized for the development of a healthy, vigorous queen, essential for the success of the new swarm. The number of swarm cells can vary significantly, with a healthy colony sometimes constructing multiple cells to ensure the emergence of at least one strong queen.
The timing of swarm cell development is also a critical indicator. Typically appearing in spring to early summer, the prime swarming season, their presence can signal an impending swarm in the coming days or weeks. Recognizing these cells and understanding their implications allows beekeepers to intervene through techniques such as splitting the hive, which not only prevents the loss of a large number of bees but also helps in managing colony growth and health.
Emergency Queen Cells
Emergency queen cells are a direct response from a bee colony to the sudden loss of their queen. Unlike swarm cells, these are often constructed in haste and can be found scattered across the comb, not necessarily at the edges. These cells are typically built from existing worker larvae cells that the workers retrofit into queen cells, a process triggered by the absence of queen pheromones. Recognizing emergency queen cells is crucial for beekeepers, as it indicates the colony is in a vulnerable state, attempting to rear a new queen urgently. Supporting the colony during this time involves ensuring they have ample resources like nectar and pollen and maintaining an optimal environment for the new queen to develop and take over. Swift and careful management can help stabilize the colony and restore its health after such a significant loss.
Responding to Emergency Queen Cells
Emergency queen cells are a colony's response to the unexpected absence of their queen, characterized by the lack of a queen since the inception of these cells, and a noticeable absence of younger brood stages, especially eggs. These cells emerge as a critical measure under dire circumstances—when the colony is left queenless, striving to rear a new queen promptly. Swarming is the last scenario the colony desires. The queen's sudden loss could be due to natural causes, accidental harm by the beekeeper, or intentional removal.
In situations where the queen has been gone for more than four to five days after her last egg-laying, the colony faces a dilemma as it lacks brood young enough to develop into an emergency queen. Without beekeeper intervention, such a colony cannot self-requeen. Emergency queen cells are typically numerous and originate from eggs or young larvae in standard worker cells, not in queen cups. Nurse bees nourish the chosen larvae with royal jelly, extending the cell to accommodate the growing queen larva. These cells may appear as vertically oriented, similar to swarm cells but integrated into the comb, or as a unique form with a horizontal to vertical transition.
Despite their less impressive appearance compared to swarm cells, emergency queen cells should not be underestimated. A common misconception holds that queens from emergency cells are of lesser quality than those from swarm cells. However, these cells are capable of producing fully viable queens. The notion of inferior queens from emergency cells likely stems from attempts to requeen long-queenless colonies with a new frame of eggs or larvae. Such colonies, predominantly older bees, may lack the necessary young nurse bees to rear a healthy queen fully.
Supersedure cells
Akin to swarm cells, are predominantly vertical and commonly positioned on the comb's surface. Their formation begins similarly to emergency queen cells, originating from an egg within a worker cell rather than a queen cup. Despite their visual similarity to emergency cells, supersedure cells serve a distinct purpose: the colony's intent to replace an underperforming queen. This decision could be due to various factors, such as the queen's age, injury, or other deficiencies not readily apparent to beekeepers, including the queen's diminishing sperm reserves leading to drone-only egg laying.
Traditionally, it's believed that during supersedure, the existing queen is kept within the colony until the new queen has mated and commenced egg-laying. Occasionally, the colony may house both the old and new queens simultaneously for a period before the senior queen is subtly removed—a scenario referred to as 'perfect supersedure'. However, this ideal outcome is rare, with 'imperfect supersedure' being more common, characterized by a temporary cessation in brood production due to the premature removal of the old queen.
When beekeepers encounter supersedure cells within a hive, the best course of action is usually to intervene minimally and allow the natural process to unfold, hoping for a successful queen transition. Attempts at supersedure during early spring or late autumn may fail, often due to a drone scarcity. It's crucial for beekeepers to monitor these situations closely to prevent the colony from becoming queenless.
Ambiguous situations
In many instances, deciphering the intentions of a bee colony upon discovering numerous queen cells within a hive is straightforward—the colony is preparing to swarm, and there's little doubt about it. Yet, the key to understanding this situation lies not in the mere presence or location of these queen cells but in the underlying reasons for their appearance, which reflect the colony's behavioral intent. The dilemma often arises in distinguishing between swarming and supersedure, a distinction that isn't always clear-cut. For instance, swarm cells might not always be found on the frame's periphery, and supersedure cells aren't exclusively located on the frame's face. Adding to the confusion, the quantity of cells might not fit typical patterns, being either too few for a swarm or too many for a simple queen replacement.
Identifying emergency re-queening is typically straightforward, as the absence of eggs and the age of the youngest brood clearly indicate when the queen was lost. Thus, the primary challenge lies in differentiating between swarming and supersedure. The presence of a few queen cells at the bottom of a frame might signal either scenario, and the distribution of cells across frames can offer clues—multiple frames suggest swarming, while a single frame hints at supersedure. Yet, certainty is elusive. The timing of queen cell development also provides insight; if cells are days away from being sealed, immediate swarming isn't a concern, allowing the beekeeper time to assess the situation further.
In some cases, a colony might simultaneously exhibit swarm and emergency queen cell characteristics. This occurs if a colony initiates swarming before cells are sealed, leading to the production of emergency cells in response to perceived queen loss, despite the presence of swarm cells. Such emergency cells, generally younger and less developed, are typically inconsequential but can become significant if a colony has swarmed and the beekeeper needs to manage remaining queen cells to prevent further swarming. This delicate balancing act involves discerning the colony's current state and responding appropriately to ensure its health and continuity.
Queen cell development
Unlocking the mysteries of queen cell development is a journey that begins as early as day three. It's at this pivotal moment, not when you spot an egg in a queen cup, that the potential for a new queen emerges. The turning point is when the egg transitions on day three, signaling the start of an extraordinary transformation. Nurse bees then begin the meticulous process of feeding the larva with royal jelly, setting the stage for what is almost a certainty: the evolution of a mere cup into a sealed queen cell. This critical period of development, lasting just five days, culminates on day eight with the sealing of the queen cell. However, determining the precise age of these sealed mysteries without intervening is a challenge, necessitating a closer inspection of cells at various locations within the hive to capture the full spectrum of development stages. This intricate dance of nature ensures the continual flourishing of the colony, marking each step from egg to queen with precision and care.
The journey of queen cells takes a pivotal turn on Day 16, a full eight days after they've been meticulously sealed. At this stage, the emergence of a queen cell is often heralded by a distinct feature: a hinged lid. While sometimes this lid may detach, it's not uncommon for the diligent bees within the hive to reattach and reseal it. This repair is marked by a unique 'tear here' line around the tip of the cell, a testament to the bees' precision and care. Within these cells, one might expect to find a new queen, but occasionally, a worker bee is discovered instead, having entered for a routine cleaning and inadvertently sealed inside by its conscientious peers. The position of the bee offers a clue to its role; a worker bee presents head-down, while a queen stands head-up, poised for release. Should you find a queen, resist any urge to harm her. Instead, allow her the freedom to join the colony, as reintegrating her is not only simple but beneficial for the hive's health and harmony.
Worker brood development
The bees may have begun swarming if you inspect the hive and find queen cells that are sealed or almost so. It is common for the hive's population to drop significantly before this happens. But seeing newly deposited eggs—especially ones standing erect at the foot of the cell—or, even more clearly, the queen herself, is a sure indicator that the swarm has not yet happened. Seeing the queen is crucial for assurance when there is no other proof than eggs laying flat. The bees' progress towards maturity and the beekeeper's possible setback are both signalled by the absence of eggs, which is a sure indicator that the swarm has occurred. The beekeeper may learn more about when this event occurred by looking at the age of the youngest larvae.
During the 21-day lifespan of worker brood, which begins with the egg and ends with the larva's emergence, there is a critical feeding phase of six days that determines the larva's age and developmental stage. Knowledge of the swarm's chronology is essential for beekeepers since it allows them to reflect on missed early warnings and anticipate the chance of a repeat swarm. The presence of sealed brood rather than unsealed larvae in the hive is an indication that at least nine days have passed since the swarming, which puts the colony in danger of a cast swarm or signals that one may have already happened. In order to prevent further harm to the beehive and facilitate its recovery, swift and calculated intervention is required.
Drone brood development
Drone brood development offers a unique glimpse into the dynamics of a beehive, with the brood being sealed around Day 10 and emerging between Day 24 to Day 28. However, when assessing the health and status of a colony, especially in the context of swarming, it’s important to approach drone brood observations with caution. Unlike worker brood, drone brood tends to be less prioritized by the worker bees in times of colony stress, such as swarming. This means they may receive inadequate nourishment, remain unsealed longer than usual, or even perish before emerging. Similarly, in the aftermath of swarming, especially in a queenless situation, the survival rate of unsealed worker brood also declines. This phenomenon highlights the complexity of hive dynamics and the intricate balance maintained by bees, underscoring the need for careful observation and management by beekeepers to ensure the health and sustainability of their colonies.
Diagnostic and remedies
The swarm season primarily spans from May through July, with a heightened activity in late May and throughout June. Although the likelihood of swarming decreases outside this window, it's not impossible. Colonies can transition from showing no signs of swarming to actively swarming in under five days, often before any queen cells are visibly capped. This rapid development underscores the importance of timely and regular hive inspections to preemptively address swarming behaviors.
However, determining the frequency of these inspections isn't straightforward and varies based on several factors. Your familiarity with the bees, the local environment where the hives are situated, and your available time to dedicate to beekeeping play crucial roles in shaping your inspection schedule. Additionally, weather conditions significantly influence swarming tendencies; favorable weather paired with abundant nectar flow can deter swarming, while adverse weather conditions and limited foraging opportunities may encourage it.
As a general guideline, during peak swarming season or when other indicators suggest an increased risk of swarming, conducting hive inspections every five days is advisable. In periods deemed to have a lower risk of swarming, extending the interval between inspections to 7–10 days is typically adequate. This balanced approach allows beekeepers to effectively monitor their colonies' health and dynamics, providing opportunities to intervene when necessary and maintain the well-being of their hives.
Clipping the queen's wings is a strategy employed by beekeepers to delay the urgency of checking for queen cells until around Day 14. This method essentially prevents the queen from flying any significant distance. Should a colony attempt to swarm with a queen whose wing has been clipped, she won't be able to sustain flight, leading to her falling to the ground. The bees, after clustering around their grounded queen for a short period, will return to the hive, albeit reluctantly, and wait for a new, capable virgin queen to lead a subsequent swarm.
This practice offers a clear signal to the beekeeper when a swarm attempt has been made, allowing for swift identification and the implementation of strategies to avert a secondary, or cast, swarm. While the technique of queen clipping carries its own set of advantages and drawbacks, discussing these in detail is beyond the present scope.
It's also worth noting that prime swarming failures can occur naturally, without human intervention, should the queen be unable or unwilling to fly for any reason. Recognizing such a situation demands prompt action from the beekeeper to manage the colony suitably and prevent it from attempting to swarm again with a new queen. Such remedial management is crucial for maintaining the stability and productivity of the hive.
Adopting a two-box system for beekeeping, encompassing either brood and a half or double brood configurations, presents a significant advantage, particularly in monitoring for queen cells. Typically, queen cells begin to form on the bottom bars of the upper box, facilitating a swift and efficient swarm check. This process involves merely lifting one side of the upper box and inspecting the bottom bars for queen cell formations. While employing smoke to gently encourage bees to move and afford a clearer view, this inspection method, though not foolproof, proves to be effective in the majority of instances, offering a significant improvement over not conducting any inspection.
In contrast, systems utilizing a single brood box necessitate the removal of frames to thoroughly check for queen cells, a process that is inherently more time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Regular inspections or swarm checks are essential components of beekeeping, acting as preventative measures against the need for more complex interventions detailed in later steps of the diagnostic tree. This tree outlines a comprehensive approach to managing a bee colony through its lifecycle and potential challenges, starting from pre-swarming indicators and escalating to post-swarming issues requiring immediate corrective action. The diagnostic tree is segmented into distinct phases:
- Steps 1–3 focus on the initial stages of swarming, with Step 3 signaling a heightened level of alertness for the beekeeper.
- Steps 4–9 delve into more advanced stages of the swarming process, each step escalating in complexity and urgency.
- Steps 10–12 address scenarios post-swarm where the colony fails to stabilize with a new, egg-laying queen, necessitating a targeted rescue program.
Each step is divided into two critical parts: Investigation and Remedial Action, guiding the beekeeper through identifying the colony's current state and implementing the necessary management strategies to maintain hive health and productivity.
STEP 1: Drone Brood Presence
Investigation: None required. The emergence of drone brood in your hive doesn't necessarily herald an impending swarm. Instead, it signifies a phase of healthy growth within the colony. As spring progresses, a well-established hive will begin to produce drones, indicating its sufficient resources and vitality. This natural cycle typically kicks off in mid-March, extending into August. The presence of early drone brood doesn't automatically imply that the colony will attempt to swarm within the season.
Remedial Action: No immediate action needed. The appearance of drone brood should be taken as a positive sign of your colony's normal development and progression. However, it's also a cue to monitor the varroa mite population closely. Drones are a preferred host for varroa mites, and their increasing numbers could escalate mite infestations. Now is the opportune time to assess and address any potential mite issues to prevent them from adversely affecting the colony's health as the season advances.
STEP 2: Queen Cups Presence
Investigation: Examine the queen cups for signs of occupancy, specifically the absence of eggs or larvae nestled in royal jelly.
Remedial Action: If the cups are empty, there's no cause for alarm. The construction of queen cups, often found on the bottom bars of frames, is a typical behavior reflecting the colony's expansion and does not necessarily indicate an immediate swarming threat. These "practice cups" or "fun cups" emerge as the queen's regular pheromone-laden patrols along the frame edges diminish, likely due to her preoccupation with laying and a more crowded hive environment. This behavior serves as a testament to the hive's growth and should be monitored but not feared as a precursor to swarming.
STEP 3: Queen Cups with Standing-Up Eggs
Investigation: Your focus should be on determining whether any of the queen cups have progressed beyond containing just eggs. Specifically, look for any signs of cells that have advanced to the stage where they contain larvae immersed in royal jelly.
Remedial Action: If your inspection reveals only the presence of standing-up eggs within the queen cups, there's generally no need for immediate intervention. However, this situation warrants heightened vigilance, transitioning your swarm prevention strategy to an "amber alert" status. While the discovery of eggs standing up in queen cups might hint at the early stages of queen rearing and potential swarming, it's also a common occurrence within bee colonies. Many hives exhibit this behavior multiple times throughout a season without ever proceeding to swarm. This phase should prompt regular monitoring to swiftly detect any further developments towards swarming, allowing for timely preventive actions.
STEP 4: Queen Cups with Larvae and Royal Jelly
Investigation: The presence of queen cups containing larvae and royal jelly, especially when some cells begin to extend, signals an imminent swarming phase—this is your red alert. At this juncture, your goal is to ascertain the developmental stage of these swarm cells to predict the swarming timeline accurately. Occasionally, colonies may initiate swarming even before any cells are sealed, so it's crucial to verify whether swarming has already occurred. Consider the colony's size: Is it smaller than anticipated? Are there any freshly laid eggs, or, ideally, is the queen visible? If it appears the colony has already swarmed, proceed directly to Step 5 for further guidance.
Remedial Action: If the queen cells are still in the early stages of development, you have a narrow window—typically one to three days—to act. Avoid delaying any decisions; remember, some colonies may decide to swarm sooner than expected. Your immediate course of action should be to prepare for an artificial swarm. This procedure effectively simulates the natural swarming process, persuading the colony that it has swarmed and thus preventing the actual event. Numerous techniques for conducting an artificial swarm are detailed in beekeeping literature, each designed to suit different hive configurations and beekeeper preferences.
STEP 5: Sealed Queen Cells Present
Investigation: The presence of sealed queen cells necessitates an immediate assessment to determine if the colony has swarmed. Start by gauging the population; a noticeable reduction in the number of bees since your last inspection may indicate a swarm has occurred. Inspect the brood for signs of new egg laying and try to locate the queen. Absence of eggs and the stage of the youngest brood present are critical clues. Finding upright eggs or spotting the queen suggests the colony hasn't swarmed but is on the cusp of doing so, especially under favorable weather conditions before late afternoon. If swarming hasn't occurred, revisit Step 4 for actions on performing an artificial swarm.
Remedial Action: If it's concluded that the colony has already swarmed, the focus shifts to preventing a secondary (cast) swarm to salvage bee numbers and the potential for a honey crop. Conventionally, this involves selectively thinning queen cells to leave the colony with no choice but to unite under a single emerging queen. The common practice is to choose one unsealed queen cell with a visible healthy larva, destroying all others, sealed and unsealed. However, if no unsealed cells are present, choose the best-sealed cell, ideally located to minimize risk of damage. There's debate about the value of keeping an unsealed cell versus a sealed one, as bees typically don't cap cells containing deceased larvae. While some suggest keeping two cells as insurance against queen failure, distinguishing their exact ages is challenging and still risks a cast swarm. The crucial step is to meticulously destroy all but the selected cell(s), ensuring thorough inspection by removing bees from the frames to uncover hidden queen cells. Care is needed not to harm the larvae or pupae in the process. If the swarm occurred recently (within four days), monitor for and eliminate any emergency queen cells formed from existing eggs or larvae to prevent further swarming attempts.
For experienced beekeepers, an alternative strategy that doesn't involve thinning queen cells is detailed in Step 7. This method has been highly successful and respects the colony's natural selection process for a new queen, eliminating the beekeeper's direct involvement in the decision.
STEP 6: Post-Swarm State with Numerous Queen Cells
Investigation: Discovering your hive in a post-swarm state with a diminished bee population, reduced brood, and an abundance of queen cells is a critical moment. This scenario typically leads to the production of a cast (secondary swarm), unless proactive measures are taken. The urgency and specific actions required depend on the timing of the initial swarm and the maturity of the remaining queen cells. If you witnessed the swarming event or captured a swarm from this hive, you have a solid starting point. Otherwise, assess the situation by meticulously examining the brood to identify the youngest members, which helps estimate the swarm's occurrence. The developmental stage of the queen cells is crucial for planning the next steps and can be evaluated during the thinning process outlined in Step 5.
Remedial Action: Adheres to the guidelines provided in Step 5. In essence, the strategy involves carefully selecting and preserving one (or potentially two) queen cells while eliminating the rest to prevent the colony from further dividing. However, if during your inspection queens begin to emerge or if the queen cells are not yet mature, it's time to pivot to Step 7. This stage offers a unique opportunity, as there's a brief window after the emergence of the first virgin queen and before any subsequent casts occur. The timing is crucial since the queens that emerge later are likely more mature and capable of leading a cast. In such instances, thinning the queen cells may not be the best approach. Instead, opening a few queen cells to estimate their maturity can provide insights into when they'll be ready, guiding you to adapt your strategy accordingly and possibly employing the techniques described in Step 7 for a more nuanced management approach.
STEP 7: Emerged and Sealed Queen Cells After Swarming
Investigation: Finding your hive with both emerged and sealed queen cells post-swarm presents a unique challenge, albeit one that's more manageable than it might initially seem. If a cast swarm has already occurred, there’s no action that can reverse it, especially if you haven’t directly observed or caught the swarm yourself. The clearest sign of a cast is a significant reduction in the bee population within the hive. However, if no cast has yet taken place, you're in a favorable position to intervene and potentially prevent it.
Remedial Action: Begin by closely inspecting the sealed queen cells, which are likely nearing the point of emergence. It’s common for queens to start emerging during your inspection, as the disturbance can distract the bees responsible for regulating queen emergence, inadvertently accelerating the process. This momentary chaos can disrupt any further swarming plans the colony might have had.
Using a knife blade or scalpel, gently assist the mature queens within the sealed cells to emerge. Encouraging multiple queens to walk out into the hive paradoxically aids in stabilizing the colony. This method, although seemingly counterintuitive, encourages the bees to select their preferred queen from the newly available candidates, facilitating a quicker return to normal hive activities and reducing the likelihood of additional swarming.
After the excitement of releasing the virgin queens, you must then proceed as advised in Step 5—carefully eliminate all remaining queen cells, whether sealed or unsealed. This critical step ensures that no further queens are left to incite additional swarming behaviors.
Releasing multiple queens into the hive may sound unconventional, yet experience shows it encourages the bees to quickly consolidate their choice for a new queen, thereby streamlining the process of returning to productive hive life. Regardless of the number of queens introduced (record instances include up to 18 queens), this method has consistently prevented further swarming, demonstrating its effectiveness in guiding the colony through a critical decision-making phase without causing disruption or instability.
STEP 8: Suspected Cast/Secondary Swarm Production
Investigation: When suspecting your hive has produced a cast or secondary swarm, the approach mirrors that of Step 7 closely. Your priority is to ascertain the presence of any un-emerged queen cells within the hive, alongside evaluating the brood to estimate the timeline since the primary swarm's departure. This evaluation helps gauge the hive's current state and the likelihood of further swarming actions.
Remedial Action: Discovering un-emerged queen cells warrants a repeat of the Step 7 procedure: assist in the emergence of some virgin queens while ensuring the destruction of all other queen cells. At this juncture, skepticism towards un-emerged cells is advisable, as their unopened status often suggests the inhabitant may no longer be viable.
In the absence of un-emerged queen cells, the existence of a virgin queen within the hive becomes a point of deliberation. Although a virgin queen's presence is likely, confirmation can be sought through the introduction of a "test" frame. This frame, borrowed from another colony and containing eggs and young larvae, serves as a diagnostic tool. The lack of emergency queen cell formation on this test frame after a few days indicates a queen's presence, signaling a waiting period for her to commence laying.
Should emergency queen cells appear on the test frame, it denotes the absence of a functional queen, prompting a decision: allow the natural queen rearing process to unfold from these emergency cells or expedite the process by introducing a mature queen or sealed queen cells from another colony. Opting for introduction could significantly reduce the timeline for re-establishing a laying queen, thus stabilizing the colony more swiftly.
STEP 9: No Unsealed Brood, Limited Sealed Brood, No Sealed Queen Cells
Investigation: The current condition of your hive, characterized by the absence of unsealed brood, a scant amount of sealed brood, and the lack of sealed queen cells, requires a careful analysis to determine the recent history of swarming events. By uncapping a few brood cells to determine the larvae's developmental stage, you can infer the timing of the original swarm's departure. Presence and behavior of the colony are crucial at this juncture. Observing whether the bees exhibit queenright behavior—appearing calm and organized versus displaying agitation, excessive fanning, or a distinctive "roaring" sound—can offer clues about the presence of a virgin queen. Additionally, the existence of a laying arc, a prepared area for the queen to lay, provides further insight, though these signs are not entirely definitive.
Remedial Action: In such a scenario, proactive measures are somewhat limited but critical. Implementing a "test" frame from another hive containing eggs and young larvae can help determine the presence of a queen. The development or absence of emergency queen cells on this frame will guide your next steps. If emergency queen cells appear, it suggests the hive is queenless, and you're faced with a decision: allow these emergency cells to mature into a new queen or introduce a new queen to expedite the process.
Conversely, if no emergency queen cells form, it implies the presence of a virgin queen awaiting her mating flight or the commencement of her laying cycle. Patience is essential here; premature interventions could disrupt the colony's natural stabilization process. This period of observation ensures you're not idly waiting but rather giving the colony the necessary time to self-correct and welcome the new queen's contributions.
STEP 10: No Brood and No Sealed Queen Cells
Investigation: Finding your hive devoid of both brood and sealed queen cells places you in a challenging position, as it strips away much of the tangible evidence needed to diagnose the colony's past and predict its future. The sight of any queen cell remnants won't provide clarity on their age or the details of the swarming events. At this stage, the phenomenon of swarming, whether primary or secondary, has concluded. The central concern shifts to determining whether the colony can secure a new laying queen to ensure its survival and recovery.
Remedial Action: The "test" frame technique, as outlined in Steps 8 and 9, becomes crucial in this scenario. By introducing a frame containing eggs and young larvae from another hive, you create a context in which the existing colony's behavior can offer insights into its queen status. If the colony initiates the construction of emergency queen cells on this frame, it indicates a queenless state, compelling you to decide between allowing these emergency cells to develop into a new queen or introducing a new queen to hasten recovery.
Conversely, if no emergency queen cells emerge on the test frame, it suggests that a virgin queen might already be present within the colony, possibly still in her mating phase or yet to start laying. This approach not only clarifies the presence or absence of a queen but also sets a clear course of action. Acting promptly is vital; delay only extends the period during which the colony lacks a laying queen, exacerbating its vulnerability.
STEP 11: No Brood Except on Test Frame, No Queen Cells Produced
Investigation: The absence of queen cells on a test frame, despite its presence in the hive, suggests that the bees were under the impression they had a queen at the time of introduction. This scenario indicates the presence or recent presence of queen pheromone within the hive, which can significantly influence colony behavior and decision-making processes. Determining the exact time a queen cell might have emerged, if at all, can be challenging without precise records from previous inspections. Knowing the potential date of queen emergence is crucial, as a new queen typically begins laying within three to four weeks post-emergence. However, it's important to note that queens initiating laying later than expected are more prone to future failures.
Observing the colony’s behavior, such as calmness and the presence of a laying arc, can offer clues to the queen's presence. Nevertheless, finding a non-laying queen can be particularly challenging due to her less conspicuous behavior and appearance.
Remedial Action: The priority is identifying and removing the source of queen pheromone, which typically involves locating and euthanizing the non-laying queen. This decisive action is essential before attempting any re-queening efforts. Once the pheromone source is eliminated, introducing a new queen becomes viable. At this advanced stage, options include introducing a sealed queen cell or a mated, laying queen from another colony, both of which are preferable to relying on the colony to raise a new queen from scratch. Virgin queen introduction is an option, albeit with its challenges and lower success rates compared to the alternatives.
Given the critical timeframe and the colony's precarious situation, prompt and decisive action is necessary to ensure the hive's recovery and future productivity. Introducing a mature queen or a sealed queen cell provides the colony with a quicker return to normalcy, offering a more reliable path to re-establishing a productive and stable hive environment.
STEP 12: Drone-Laying Queen Present
Investigation: A drone-laying queen is often revealed through the examination of the brood pattern, where you'll notice worker cells capped with a dome-shaped cover, resembling drone cells but smaller. This indicates the queen is laying unfertilized eggs, which only develop into drones, instead of the fertilized eggs that would develop into workers. The reasons behind this can vary, including inadequate mating, depletion of sperm, or physical abnormalities. Initially, a failing queen might produce both fertilized and unfertilized eggs, leading to a mix of normal worker brood and drones. However, this situation typically deteriorates over time, necessitating immediate intervention.
Remedial Action: Addressing a drone-laying queen follows the same procedure as outlined in Step 11. The first course of action is to locate and remove the problematic queen. Only after this step can you proceed with re-queening the hive. It's important to distinguish between a drone-laying queen and laying workers, as the latter may present similar symptoms but with distinct differences, such as a scattered brood pattern, eggs laid on cell sides, or multiple eggs per cell.
While there's a common belief that a colony with laying workers will reject a new queen or queen cell, many beekeepers successfully introduce a new queen under such circumstances. If you determine the colony (and the bees within it) is worth salvaging, a reliable solution is to merge it with a queen-right colony. This process not only preserves the worker bees but also ensures the continuation of a productive hive under the leadership of a viable queen.
By meticulously adhering to the guidance provided at each critical juncture, with a keen eye on the hive's condition and the behaviors of its inhabitants, you're equipped to navigate the complexities of bee colony management effectively. This comprehensive approach ensures that every possible measure has been considered and applied towards securing a positive outcome for both the bees and the beekeeper. However, it's important to acknowledge that success isn't guaranteed. The intricacies of diagnosing hive issues can sometimes lead to misinterpretations, and factors beyond one's control, such as the nuances of queen mating, can affect the final outcome.
The essence of beekeeping lies in understanding and appreciating the unique character of each honey bee colony. It's this individuality that presents both a challenge and a charm, making beekeeping a profoundly engaging and rewarding endeavor. Through this process, you not only contribute to the well-being of your bees but also partake in the broader effort to support and sustain bee populations. While not every attempt will end in success, your commitment and thoughtful intervention lay the groundwork for healthier colonies and a richer beekeeping experience.
