Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The easy, let-alone method
(Larval transfer not necessary.) Let-alone methods of queen rearing offer the beekeeper
easy ways of producing queens but they are the least controllable. This method permits
the colony to decide when new queen cells are to be produced. There are several
variations on this method that allow the beekeeper a greater degree of control over
certain aspects of the operation, and two of these are described below. Generally, let-
alone methods are used only during the spring build-up time because they require the
bees' swarming impulse to kick in to provide queen cells. Finally, this method (especially
the basic method) corresponds most closely to the way colonies reproduce in nature, and
a surprisingly large number of beekeepers rely on it both by accident and by design.
Additional equipment
You will need a sharp knife or scalpel and the required number of prepared nucleus
boxes. (Nucs with a frame or two of brood and bees, and a frame of stores as a
minimum.)
Procedure
The following is the procedure for the basic method:
In the spring during colony build-up, do not carry out any swarm-control
manipulations.
As soon as you see queen cells during a hive inspection, study them carefully to
decide if they are suitable and if they are ready to be moved.
Carefully cut out any large, ripe cells and introduce them to the waiting nuclei
immediately. Make sure you cut right under the queen cells and through the comb's
midrib. This will ensure you do not cut into the queen cell.
Check that the queen is still present and healthy, and then deal with any other
queen cells as required. These superfluous cells could be destroyed as part of an
integrated swarm-control programme.
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