Requeening During a Nectar Dearth (And How to Improve Acceptance Rates)

Requeening a colony can be a delicate process at the best of times, but doing it during a nectar dearth presents an even greater challenge. When resources are scarce, bees become more defensive, less receptive to change, and more likely to reject a new queen. However, by supplementing their food supply strategically, beekeepers can significantly improve queen acceptance rates.

Why Nectar Dearths Make Requeening Difficult

During a nectar flow, bees are naturally more docile and accepting of a new queen because the colony is focused on foraging and expansion. In contrast, when nectar and pollen become scarce:

• Bees become more aggressive and protective of resources. They may see a new queen as a threat rather than a leader.

• Nurse bees reduce brood rearing. With limited pollen, nurse bees produce less royal jelly, which can impact how readily they care for a new queen.

• Workers are more likely to ball or kill an introduced queen. A colony under stress is more inclined to reject an unfamiliar pheromone.

How Supplemental Feeding Can Help

To increase the chances of successful queen acceptance, you can manipulate the colony's environment to simulate a nectar flow. Here's how:

1. Provide a Steady Supply of Sugar Syrup

• Feeding a 1:1 sugar-water solution mimics the presence of a nectar flow, triggering foraging behavior and reducing defensive tendencies.

• Start feeding at least a few days before introducing the new queen to help shift the colony's mood.

• Continue feeding until the queen is fully accepted and laying.

2. Supplement with Pollen or a Protein Substitute

• If natural pollen is scarce, a pollen patty or high-quality pollen substitute encourages nurse bees to continue raising brood.

• More brood means a higher demand for a laying queen, which can improve her chances of acceptance.

3. Introduce the Queen Gradually

• Use a slow-release method, such as a candy plug in a queen cage, to allow the colony time to adjust.

• Check for signs of aggression (bees biting or balling the cage). If they are hostile, delay release for another day or two.

4. Minimize Disturbance

• Avoid excessive inspections immediately after requeening. Disturbances can trigger defensive behavior and make the colony more likely to reject the queen. Leave the colony a week before checking. This is a rookie mistake!

5. Reduce Stress Factors

• If robbing is an issue due to the dearth, use entrance reducers to help the colony defend itself.

• Ensure the colony is strong enough to accept a queen - weak or failing colonies may struggle even with feeding.

Final Thoughts

While requeening during a nectar dearth is more challenging, the right feeding strategy can make a huge difference. By providing sugar syrup and protein supplements, you can simulate a nectar flow, reduce aggression, and improve the chances of your new queen being accepted. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your colony stays strong and productive, even in tough conditions.