A Rogue Virgin Queen Swarm

Ben Framed · July 21, 2020, 12:33:59 PM

A question. In the case of a virgin queen swarm, where the swarm is recovered, placed in its new home with a frame of different stages of brood, then decides to leave settling near by, again retrieved, again leaves and once again recovered, what is the amount of time that his swarm should be locked down before re-opening the vented box? Or releasing the finally found queen?

Oldbeavo · July 21, 2020, 07:17:12 PM

Put a piece of queen excluder over the entrance to keep the queen in the box.

Ben Framed · July 21, 2020, 07:24:40 PM

Quote from: Oldbeavo on July 21, 2020, 07:17:12 PM
Put a piece of queen excluder over the entrance to keep the queen in the box.

Will do Oldbeavo. Being she is a virgin or I suspect that she is a virgin, how long should I leave here locked in with the excluder?

AR Beekeeper · July 21, 2020, 07:34:21 PM

Placing a frame of uncapped brood in the hive will usually hold a swarm. I would suspect a second virgin in the swarm and do an inspection.

I would think that an excluder placed below the hive body would need to be removed in two or three days if the virgin is to mate on schedule. What I would worry about is the virgin attempting to pass through the excluder and becoming wedged in the grid and dying.

BeeMaster2 · July 21, 2020, 08:02:55 PM

Keep the queen locked in for 3 days and then release her.
Jim Altmiller

Ben Framed · July 21, 2020, 08:36:01 PM

I will do as yall have instructed. I caught these yesterday. I appreciate the good advice and insight.

van from Arkansas · July 21, 2020, 10:16:53 PM

Mr. Ben: did you catch a swarm or a abscond? In my area, beetles destroy feral hives this time of year and the bees abscond. You mentioned a virgin, yes that to me would indicate a swarm. Are you in a dearth as my area?

Ben Framed · July 21, 2020, 10:24:17 PM

Quote from: van from Arkansas on July 21, 2020, 10:16:53 PM
Mr. Ben: did you catch a swarm or a abscond? In my area, beetles destroy feral hives this time of year and the bees abscond. You mentioned a virgin, yes that to me would indicate a swarm. Are you in a dearth as my area?

Definitely a swarm Mr Van, I had a similar one the day before. Actually I was working the bees and heard the buzz of the swarm and looked up to see it over my apiary. I watched it until it settled in a tree about 50 feet away. I do not think I am in a full dearth as I one thought a week or so ago, because the bees are still adding nectar to my hives. I do however expect it to turn into a full dearth any day now as the rain has stopped and dryness has set in.