Queenless?`

[Bluetractorman]

Almost certain a colony is Q'less. I would normally use a test frame but the time of year means no obvious frames to use. I could do it but the loss of a frame now would seem a greater theft than earlier in the year. How best then to be sure a colony is queenless before uniting?

 

[GuyNir]

You could always use a test frame, then put it back to where you took it from.

 

[Ian123]

Why would this time of year mean no obvious frames to use? You have other colonies, they’ll have brood

 

[Bluetractorman]

Why would this time of year mean no obvious frames to use? You have other colonies, they’ll have brood

well I could. I just found that the amount of eggs in those other colonies was far less than earlier in the year and felt that their removal would have a more adverse impact than earlier. Guynir has a good point though, that sounds a good route.

 

[Ian123]

well I could. I just found that the amount of eggs in those other colonies was far less than earlier in the year and felt that their removal would have a more adverse impact than earlier. Guynir has a good point though, that sounds a good route.

You don’t have to take a full frame, something from the edge of brood area. Failing that cut a couple of inches of comb out with eggs/larvae. You can cut a corresponding hole or place on top bars.

 

[user 819]

One of the reasons I like to keep a couple of nuc's to take thru winter as insurance. Even now uniting one and still have one to spare. Other wise just unite two colonies and make increase come spring.