Virgin Queen Introduction (Steven’s Method)

This is the method that we have found great success in and these instructions were copied from the Stevens Bee Company website. We are not trying to take credit from Cory in any way. There is no need to change up a successfully proven method.

Make up a strong nucleus colony, ensuring it does not contain the queen from the original colony. Move the colony to another apiary. (This will be the mating apiary if open mating) then begin to feed the colony thin syrup to reduce the queenless stress on the colony. Wait 7 days. On day seven, remove any emergency queen cells, making sure not to miss any. The colony is now in a "hopelessly queenless" state, and are typically quite accepting of their only chance at survival. Ideally the queens will be added to the colonies on day 8 or 9.

The queens will arrive in a candy cage with attendants. Immediately place the cage in the intended colony, either pinned between the top bars, or laying flat on the top bars, with the cover gently rested on it. Make sure the bees can access at least one hole in the cage to feed the confined bees. Continue feeding the colony to stimulate egg laying, and ensure the new larvae are well fed. You may check in on the queens 2.5 weeks after introduction. Peeking in sooner may increase the likelyhood of the bees balling the queen.

If a colony is already hoplessly queenless, the virgin may be added immediately. Sometimes you direct release queens in freshly divided colonies during the heart of swarm season, often with great success. Your choice of methods depends on how adventurous you're feeling. With virgins; sometimes you can't miss, and sometimes the bees are very reluctant to accept new queens. Environmental conditions are the primary contributing factor, with nectar and pollen flows being ideal times to introduce queens. Feel free to conact us with any questions on introduction scenarios.