Weekly inspections are the primary defense against swarming in queen rearing colonies. To conduct this effectively, you must systematically disassemble the hive to locate and destroy natural queen cells in the bottom brood box, while also clearing unwanted cells from the specific unsealed brood frame in the upper box.
The success of a queen rearing operation hinges on rigorous swarm control. By eliminating natural queen cells weekly in both the bottom brood chamber and the upper rearing box, you channel the colony's energy exclusively into your grafted cells while preventing the loss of your workforce.
The Inspection Procedure
Separating the Colony Components
Begin the inspection by addressing the upper assembly. You must gently remove the upper brood box, which contains your valuable grafted queen cells, and set it aside.
Once the top box is clear, remove the supers. Finally, remove the queen excluder to expose the bottom chamber.
Managing the Bottom Brood Box
With the bottom brood box accessible, perform a thorough check for natural queen cells. These are cells the colony has built instinctively, independent of your rearing efforts.
You must destroy every natural queen cell found in this section. Leaving even one can trigger the swarm impulse you are trying to prevent.
Reassembly and Upper Box Maintenance
After clearing the bottom box, reassemble the hive components. It is critical that you replace the queen excluder correctly before proceeding.
Turn your attention back to the upper box. Specifically, inspect the frame containing unsealed brood.
Remove any queen cells found on this frame. This ensures that the colony's resources are directed solely toward your intended grafts.
Critical Precautions and Risks
Handling Sensitivity
The upper brood box requires extreme care. Because it houses your developing queen cells, rough handling during removal or set-down can damage the fragile larvae inside.
The Consequence of Oversight
The procedure relies on 100% detection of natural cells. If you miss a cell in the bottom box or the unsealed brood frame, the colony will likely swarm, disrupting the rearing cycle and depleting the population.
Ensuring Colony Stability
Consistency is the key to maintaining a strong rearing colony without losing your bees.
- If your primary focus is graft survival: Prioritize gentle movements when setting aside the upper box to prevent physical shock to the developing queens.
- If your primary focus is swarm prevention: Double-check the bottom brood box for hidden natural cells, as this is the most common source of swarm triggers.
Adhering to this strict weekly rhythm ensures your colony remains focused on rearing your selected queens rather than reproducing naturally.
Summary Table:
| Inspection Phase | Focus Area | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Upper Box & Supers | Carefully remove and set aside to access the bottom chamber. |
| Lower Control | Bottom Brood Box | Locate and destroy 100% of natural queen cells. |
| Reassembly | Queen Excluder | Replace precisely to maintain colony separation. |
| Upper Maintenance | Unsealed Brood Frame | Remove unwanted queen cells to prioritize grafted larvae. |
| Final Check | Colony Stability | Ensure gentle handling to prevent damage to developing queens. |
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