The Basics Of Requeening A Hive

 

Is the thought of requeening bees scary? Don't let it. It is great to your hive, and it's also great for you as an beekeeper. It is possible to be confused about how to requeen an hive. You can find lots of information on how to do this.

What is Requeening, You Ask?

The process of requesting a hive should be performed every one to two years. There are many benefits to both the hive itself and for you. People often avoid requeening a hive because of their fear of the process or the expense. The expense of raising queens can be avoided if you decide to do it yourself. But what exactly is requeening?

Requeening: This is when the beekeeper "disposes” of the previous queen, and replaces her.

But how can you do this? It is not as difficult as it seems. There are two possible ways to requeen your property.

Direct requeening may not be the best option. The bees may kill you if you allow the queen to enter the hive. They won't be able to recognize her, so you run the risk of the queen becoming a threat.

Your best bet is to introduce the new queen directly into the hive. This can be done in one of two ways.

If you are able to raise your queen, this is the first step. The queen cage will be necessary. They look like large clamps. It will seal around the queen, protecting her. You will place the queen between the frames, so that when they hatch their new broods they are familiar with her.

If you're looking to purchase queens, this is the best choice. You will receive a queen in a box, which will fit into the hive. The queen will come in a box with a cork that you need to pull out before you put her into the hive. Below the cork is an edible plug. This candy plug will be pierced with a pin. This will draw bees to your box and allow them eat the plug. The entire process takes around two days. When the queen is fully nourished, she will be welcomed into the hive.

Requeening might sound daunting but it is not. Just make sure you choose the best option for your beekeeping hive.

When do I need to request?

The simple answer to the question is "Whenever you want", as long it's not during the summer months.

We have just finished helping friends to requeen hives. Our queens were raised successfully.

Answering this question requires a complex answer: September. Why September? Because you can reap the benefits of spring.

By requeening your beehives every September, you allow the queen time to establish her hive in the winter months. Her brood will also become winter bees. These bees live a few extra months because they spend most of their lives in the hive and enduring the cold. Your hive will explode with productivity when spring comes.

The nectar flow is the only thing that can stop you from requeening in September. Good nectar flow will make it more likely for bees to accept a queen. September is not at that time. While the long-term potential benefits are great, it is possible to face short-term difficulties.

You should choose what you think is most effective for you and your goals for your bees. For now, be happy with the productivity of your bees. Wait until September. If you aren't satisfied with your bees and their productivity, go ahead and requeen.

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