Requeening a hive is a crucial beekeeping practice that ensures the health, productivity, and longevity of your colony. Whether your current queen is failing, aggressive, or simply aging, introducing a new queen can reinvigorate the hive. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of successfully requeening a hive.
Why Requeen a Hive?
A strong, productive queen is essential to a thriving bee colony. Here are some common reasons why beekeepers choose to requeen:
- Declining Egg Production – A queen’s egg-laying rate naturally decreases over time, leading to weaker colony growth.
- Aggressive Behavior – If your bees have become overly defensive, introducing a gentler queen can improve temperament.
- Poor Hive Performance – If the colony isn’t thriving despite favorable conditions, the queen may be at fault.
- Queenlessness – If the existing queen dies or disappears, a new queen must be introduced to prevent colony collapse.
- Varroa Mite Resistance – Some queens have better genetic resistance to pests and diseases.
When to Requeen a Hive
Timing is crucial when requeening a hive. The best times to requeen are:
- Spring and Early Summer – Colonies are naturally growing, making it easier for bees to accept a new queen.
- Late Summer/Early Fall – Ensures a strong, healthy colony before winter.
- Avoid Mid-Winter – Bees are less receptive to change, and introducing a new queen can be challenging.
Step-by-Step Guide to Requeening
1. Choose a Quality Queen
Select a mated queen from a reputable breeder. Options include:
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Italian Queens – Gentle and productive.
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Carniolan Queens – Good for colder climates.
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Russian Queens – Naturally resistant to mites.
2. Locate and Remove the Old Queen
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Carefully inspect the hive and identify the existing queen.
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Remove her gently using tweezers or by placing her in a queen cage.
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Some beekeepers opt for a queenless period of 24 hours before introducing the new queen.
3. Introduce the New Queen
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Place the new queen in a queen introduction cage with candy plug.
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Insert the cage between frames in the brood chamber.
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Worker bees will gradually chew through the candy, releasing the queen.
4. Monitor the Hive’s Acceptance
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Wait 3–7 days before inspecting the hive.
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Look for signs of acceptance, such as workers calmly surrounding the queen instead of attacking.
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If the queen is missing or killed, repeat the process with another queen.
5. Confirm Successful Requeening
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After one to two weeks, check for new eggs and larvae.
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Ensure the queen is active and laying a healthy brood pattern.
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If needed, add a frame of eggs from another hive to encourage acceptance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Rushing the Process – Bees need time to accept a new queen.
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Introducing a Queen Too Soon – If bees are still loyal to the old queen, they may reject the new one.
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Ignoring Hive Strength – Weak hives may struggle with requeening.
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Not Checking for Queen Cells – If the hive is producing their own queen cells, they may reject the new queen.
Final Thoughts
Requeening a hive can significantly improve your colony’s health and productivity. By following these steps and monitoring the hive’s behavior, you’ll increase the likelihood of a successful transition. Happy beekeeping!