Hexy

Main concern

The colony has had no recorded brood for several weeks and multiple inspections have failed to confirm a healthy laying queen, despite recent reports of a queen and eggs.

Next inspection aim

Confirm presence of a mated, laying queen and viable brood pattern.

What to bring

• Smoker
• Hive tool
• Clean bee suit
• Clean gloves
• Record sheet
• Camera or phone for photos of brood/cells
• Lead beekeeper contact information

Step-by-step plan

1. Observe hive entrance for normal activity before opening.
2. Smoke entrance lightly and wait one minute.
3. Open hive carefully and inspect central frames for fresh eggs and larvae.
4. If no eggs or young larvae are present, do not disturb the colony further.
5. Check for signs of queen cells.
6. Record clear, objective findings of exactly what is seen on the frames.
7. Do not manipulate or remove frames containing queen cells.
8. Close up promptly and notify a lead beekeeper immediately.

Do not do

• Do not remove or destroy any queen cells.
• Do not rearrange brood frames unnecessarily.
• Do not assume the colony is queen-right without seeing eggs or young larvae.
• Do not attempt to requeen or merge without lead beekeeper instruction.
• Do not panic or rush the inspection.

Escalate if

• No eggs or young larvae are seen again.
• Queen cells appear, indicating a new attempt to raise a queen.
• You are unsure of what you are seeing.
• The colony temperament has significantly deteriorated.