Upon inspection yesterday, I discovered my new hive (installed June 1) had very little capped brood and about five swarm cells. I removed them.
I can't find the queen. She's not marked. I'm a new beek.
The bees seem happy and busy, fetching pollen and honey to and fro. they've made a good amount of new, natural comb - but I do notice new comb building seems to have stalled now.
The lack of capped brood and the swarm cells make me think the queen must have died. Do you agree?
If I can't find the old queen, is it "safe" to requeen? Not sure what choice I have.
Thanks!
I can't find the queen. She's not marked. I'm a new beek.
The bees seem happy and busy, fetching pollen and honey to and fro. they've made a good amount of new, natural comb - but I do notice new comb building seems to have stalled now.
The lack of capped brood and the swarm cells make me think the queen must have died. Do you agree?
If I can't find the old queen, is it "safe" to requeen? Not sure what choice I have.
Thanks!