Create A Nuc Of Bees
This technique is applied when you see Queen cells. Note: you also need to have a nuc box handy. The same technique can be applied to create a new colony if you wish.
- Take frame with the Queen and a frame or two of stores
- Place in nuc and make sure entrance is small (i.e. defendable)
- Shake in a frame of bees
- Place nuc some distance from hive
- Inspect main hive and destroy all Queen cells but leave one Queen cell in which you can see a larvae (it is possible that some Queen cells are empty)
- Mark the frame with the Queen with a pin, directly above where you found the Queen cell
- Inspect five days later to ensure cell is sealed and destroy other Queen cells
If this technique is applied after mid-June then there will be no loss of honey production.
My novice beekeeping cousin is a fan of the Fat Bee Man – so lets watch him in action, making some nucs. After watching him I felt braver about not using gloves or a bee suit … but was suitably punished by the bees!
Further Reading
- Swarm Management – Other swarm management techniques
- How-To Guides – Other simple, beekeeping guides
These how-to guides are provided for general interest and information only. No liability is accepted for any injury or loss arising out of the contents of these pages.
