DLW - clustering

[LeaBees]

Hi
Have a colony that is a DLW one. Shook them out but are clustering.
Am 99.9999% sure there is no queen and wouid prefer not to have a random cluster of bees in the apiary.
Any advice on how to get them to breakup and beg into other hives?

Thanks

 

[Erichalfbee]

Are you sure it’s laying workers? Are there multiple eggs in cells and is the laying pattern random?
Have you taken their old home and stand away?

 

[LeaBees]

Pretty sure. Spotty pattern, random q-cells. Clustering on a fence post near old spot, not on stand.
On a related note, how can I treat the drawn comb? Just scrape off/out the drone brood etc and reuse elsewhere?

 

[Boston Bees]

Hi
Have a colony that is a DLW one. Shook them out but are clustering.
Am 99.9999% sure there is no queen and wouid prefer not to have a random cluster of bees in the apiary.
Any advice on how to get them to breakup and beg into other hives?

Thanks

There's a queen. 100 percent

 

[Brian Bush]

Collect the cluster and pass them into a box through a QE. Use plent of smoke to drive them down. This will rid you of the drones and any queen. Also as DLW tend to be a little fatter if it is a DLW you may spot her.
Place the bees in a NUC with a frame of BIAS and one of food and leave for a couple of days.
Alternatively use a newspaper unite to add the cluster to another hive.

 

[LeaBees]

Thanks, will give it a go.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Why keep using the term DLW? is there a difference between them and a bog standard Laying Worker?