Queen problems and re-queening

It is important to classify queen problems to assist with the appropriate action.

Low threat
Can kill bees or colonies but usually do not

Moderate threat
Common so affect a high percentage of colonies and can cause significant damage if not addressed appropriately

Significant Threat
Widespread and kill colonies if not managed actively.

Recognising & classifying Queen Problems 

• Limited access to queens e.g. autumn/winter (Moderate)
• Dead queen (Significant)
• Queen fails/poor quality (Significant)
• Laying workers (Significant)
• Supercedure (Moderate)
• Multiple queens (Low)
• Swarming (Moderate)

Queen replacement options

• Allow the colony to re-queen itself
• Add a queen cell
• Purchase mated queen
• Use a nucleus colony 

Using a nucleus colony is the safest and most reliable option.

Requeening Using a Nuc