How To Split A Beehive: Methods, Tips, And Care | Beekeeping Guide

Looking to split a beehive? Our comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on preparation, identifying the strong hive, selecting the splitting method, performing the split, caring for the new hive, and monitoring the split hives.

Preparation for Splitting a Beehive

Gathering Necessary Equipment

Before embarking on the process of splitting a beehive, it is crucial to gather all the necessary equipment. By having these tools at hand, you can ensure a smooth and efficient hive splitting experience. Here are some essential items you will need:

Beekeeping Suit: To protect yourself from bee stings, a beekeeping suit is an absolute must. It provides full-body coverage and includes a veil to protect your face.
Smoker: A smoker is used to calm the bees during the hive splitting process. By puffing smoke into the hive, it disrupts their communication and makes them less likely to sting.
Hive Tool: A hive tool is a versatile instrument that helps with various tasks, such as prying open hive components, scraping off excess propolis or wax, and lifting frames.
Bee Brush: A bee brush allows you to gently brush away bees from frames or other hive components without harming them. It helps in locating the queen and maintaining order during the split.
Empty Hive Boxes: You will need additional hive boxes to accommodate the new colonies resulting from the hive split. Ensure these boxes are clean and free from any contaminants.
Frames and Foundation: Each new hive will require frames and foundation for the bees to build their comb. Make sure you have enough frames and foundation for each split hive.
Feeder: It is important to provide the newly split hives with a feeder to ensure they have access to food during the initial stages. A feeder can be in the form of a hive top feeder or an entrance feeder.

Ensuring Safety Measures

Safety should always be a top priority when working with bees. Here are a few safety measures to consider before splitting a beehive:

Wear Protective Clothing: In addition to the beekeeping suit, always wear gloves and sturdy footwear to protect yourself from potential bee stings. Avoid wearing dark-colored clothing as it may agitate the bees.
Work in Optimal Weather Conditions: Choose a calm and sunny day to perform the hive split. Bees are more active and less defensive during favorable weather conditions, reducing the risk of aggression.
Inform Others: If you are working in a shared space or near others, inform them about your activities. This will help them be cautious and avoid any unnecessary encounters with the bees.
Have an Escape Plan: Despite taking safety precautions, there is always a chance of getting stung. Familiarize yourself with the surroundings and identify the nearest safe location to retreat to if needed.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Beehive components can be heavy, so it is important to use proper lifting techniques to avoid strain or injury. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs, not your back.

Choosing the Right Time

Timing plays a crucial role in the success of a hive split. It is important to choose the right time when the conditions are optimal for the bees to adapt and thrive in their new hives. Consider the following factors when deciding on the timing:

Spring or Early Summer: The best time to split a beehive is during the spring or early summer when the bee population is at its peak. This ensures that both the parent hive and the split hives have enough bees to thrive.
Availability of Resources: Ensure that there is an abundance of nectar and pollen in the surrounding environment during the chosen time. Sufficient resources will support the growth and development of the newly split hives.
Weather Conditions: Choose a period with stable weather conditions. Extreme temperatures, heavy rains, or strong winds can negatively impact the bees’ ability to establish themselves in the new hives.
Queen Availability: Ensure that each split hive has a queen or queen cells capable of producing a new queen. This ensures the survival and productivity of the newly split colony.

By gathering the necessary equipment, following safety measures, and choosing the right time, you are setting the stage for a successful hive split. In the next section, we will delve into the process of identifying the strong hive for splitting.

Identifying the Strong Hive for Splitting

When it comes to splitting a beehive, it’s important to choose a strong and healthy hive as the parent colony. This will ensure that both the parent hive and the new split hive have the best chance of thriving. There are several factors to consider when identifying the strong hive for splitting.

Assessing Hive Strength

Assessing the strength of a hive involves evaluating the overall population of bees and their ability to perform their essential tasks. A strong hive will have a large number of worker bees, which are responsible for foraging, nursing the brood, and maintaining the hive. One way to assess hive strength is by conducting a thorough inspection and observing the number of bees present.

During the inspection, look for signs of a strong and healthy colony. This includes a solid brood pattern, with healthy and well-developed larvae and capped brood. The presence of ample stores of pollen and honey is also indicative of a strong hive. Additionally, a strong hive will have a well-organized and active workforce, with bees efficiently carrying out their duties.

Evaluating Queen Performance

The performance of the queen bee is crucial in determining the strength of a hive. The queen is responsible for laying eggs, which will eventually develop into worker bees and ensure the continued growth and survival of the colony. When evaluating queen performance, it’s important to assess her egg-laying abilities, as well as the overall health and vitality of her offspring.

During the inspection, look for signs of a productive queen. A healthy queen will lay a consistent pattern of eggs, with minimal empty cells. The brood should be well-capped and free from abnormalities or signs of disease. If you notice any issues with the queen’s performance, such as a spotty brood pattern or a lack of eggs, it may indicate that the hive is not strong enough for splitting.

Monitoring Honey Production

Honey production is another important factor to consider when identifying a strong hive for splitting. A strong hive will have a steady and abundant supply of honey, which indicates that the bees are foraging effectively and collecting nectar from a variety of sources. Honey production is not only a sign of a well-functioning hive, but it also provides the necessary food stores for both the parent colony and the new split hive.

To monitor honey production, it’s essential to regularly check the honey supers in the hive. These supers are the boxes where bees store their excess honey. Look for frames that are filled with capped honey, indicating that the bees have successfully collected and processed nectar. If the hive has a substantial amount of honey stores, it is a good indication that it is strong enough to be split.

Selecting the Splitting Method

When it comes to splitting a beehive, there are several methods you can choose from. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, so it’s important to understand the differences before making a decision. In this section, we will explore three popular splitting methods: the artificial swarm method, the Demaree method, and the walk-away split method.

Artificial Swarm Method

The artificial swarm method is a common approach used by beekeepers to split a hive. This method involves creating an artificial swarm by moving the existing queen and a portion of the worker bees to a new hive. Here’s how it works:

First, you will need to locate the queen in the original hive. This can be done by carefully inspecting each frame and looking for her distinctive appearance.
Once you have found the queen, you can gently transfer her and several frames of brood, honey, and pollen to a new hive. It’s important to ensure that the new hive has enough resources to support the new colony.
After transferring the queen and frames, the remaining worker bees in the original hive will raise a new queen from the eggs or young larvae that are left behind. This process takes time, so it’s crucial to provide the original hive with enough resources to support the development of the new queen.

The artificial swarm method is a reliable way to split a beehive and create a new colony. It allows the beekeeper to maintain control over the queen and ensure that both hives have a good chance of survival. However, it does require careful monitoring and management to ensure the successful development of the new queen.

Demaree Method

Another method for splitting a beehive is the Demaree method. This method involves temporarily separating the queen from the rest of the colony, allowing the remaining bees to raise a new queen. Here’s how it works:

To begin, you will need to locate the queen in the original hive. Once you have found her, you can remove several frames of brood, honey, and pollen from the original hive and place them in a separate hive box.
Next, you will need to create a barrier between the two hive boxes. This can be done using a queen excluder or a sheet of newspaper with small holes punched in it. The barrier should allow the worker bees to pass through, but prevent the queen from moving between the two boxes.
By separating the queen from the rest of the colony, the worker bees in the original hive will raise a new queen from the eggs or young larvae that are left behind. This process typically takes a few weeks, during which time the new queen will develop and mature.

The Demaree method is a less invasive way to split a beehive compared to the artificial swarm method. It allows the beekeeper to maintain control over the queen while giving the worker bees the opportunity to raise a new queen. However, it does require careful monitoring and management to ensure the successful development of the new queen.

Walk-Away Split Method

The walk-away split method is a simple and hands-off approach to splitting a beehive. This method takes advantage of the natural instincts of the bees to create a new colony. Here’s how it works:

First, you will need to find a strong hive that you want to split. This hive should have a healthy queen and plenty of worker bees.
Next, you will need to set up a new hive nearby. This can be a separate hive box or even a new location for the hive. Make sure the new hive has enough frames with brood, honey, and pollen to support the new colony.
Once the new hive is prepared, you can simply move several frames with brood, honey, and pollen from the strong hive to the new hive. The worker bees on these frames will raise a new queen in the new hive.
After transferring the frames, you can leave the two hives alone and let the bees do the rest of the work. The worker bees in the strong hive will recognize the loss of their queen and start raising a new queen from the eggs or young larvae that are left behind.

The walk-away split method is a low-intervention approach that mimics the natural process of bee swarming. It allows the bees to create a new colony on their own terms, without the need for the beekeeper to directly intervene. However, it does require careful monitoring to ensure that both hives have enough resources and that the new queen successfully mates and starts laying eggs.

Performing the Split

Locating the Queen

When performing a split on a beehive, one of the first steps is to locate the queen. The queen is the most important member of the hive, as she is responsible for laying eggs and ensuring the growth of the colony. Finding the queen can be a challenging task, but it is crucial to the success of the split.

To locate the queen, you will need to carefully inspect each frame in the hive. Look for the queen’s distinctive long body and larger size compared to the worker bees. She may also have a dot of paint on her back, which can make her easier to spot. As you inspect each frame, pay close attention to any cells with eggs or larvae, as the queen is likely to be nearby.

Separating the Bees and Frames

Once the queen has been located, it’s time to separate the bees and frames to create the new hive. This process involves carefully removing frames from the existing hive and placing them in a new hive box. It’s important to handle the frames gently to avoid injuring the bees or damaging the comb.

To separate the bees and frames, start by gently smoking the hive to calm the bees. This will make them less likely to become agitated during the split. Next, remove each frame one at a time, being mindful of the queen’s location. Shake or brush off any bees clinging to the frame and place it in the new hive box.

When separating the bees and frames, it’s important to ensure that each new hive box has an equal distribution of brood, honey, and pollen. This will help the new hive get off to a strong start and increase the chances of its success.

Establishing New Hive Location

After the frames have been separated and placed in the new hive box, it’s time to establish the location of the new hive. This is an important step, as the new hive will need a suitable environment to thrive.

When choosing the location for the new hive, there are a few factors to consider. First, make sure the area has plenty of sunlight, as bees rely on sunlight to navigate and forage for food. Additionally, the location should be sheltered from strong winds and have a good source of water nearby.

It’s also important to consider the proximity of the new hive to other hives. Bees have a strong sense of smell and can be attracted to the scent of other hives. To avoid potential conflicts, place the new hive at least 10 feet away from existing hives.

Once you have chosen the location for the new hive, set up the hive box and frames. Make sure the frames are securely in place and that the hive is level. Provide the bees with a source of food, such as sugar water or pollen patties, to help them settle into their new home.

Caring for the New Hive

The care and maintenance of a new hive are crucial to ensure the successful establishment of a thriving bee colony. This section will focus on three key aspects: feeding the new hive, monitoring queen cell development, and preventing robbing behavior. By addressing these factors, beekeepers can provide the necessary support for the growth and development of the newly split hive.

Feeding the New Hive

Feeding the new hive is essential during the initial stages of its establishment. The bees in the split hive may not have enough resources to sustain themselves, especially if the splitting process occurred during a period of low nectar flow. Therefore, it is important to provide supplemental feeding to ensure the bees have an adequate food supply.

One method of feeding the new hive is through the use of a feeder. There are various types of feeders available, including entrance feeders, top feeders, and frame feeders. These feeders can be filled with sugar syrup, which serves as a substitute for nectar. The sugar syrup should be prepared using a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water.
Another option for feeding the new hive is by using pollen patties. Pollen patties are made from a mixture of pollen substitute and sugar syrup. They provide the bees with a source of protein, essential for brood rearing. The patties can be placed on top of the frames within the hive.
Regular monitoring of the feeder is important to ensure that the bees have a continuous supply of food. Refilling the feeder as needed will help to prevent starvation and support the overall health of the colony.

Monitoring Queen Cell Development

After the split, the new hive will need a new queen to continue its growth. Monitoring queen cell development is crucial to ensure that a strong and healthy queen is successfully raised. Here are some key points to consider:

Inspecting the hive for queen cells: Regular inspections of the hive are necessary to check for the presence of queen cells. Queen cells are larger and elongated compared to worker cells. They are usually found on the edges or bottom of the frames. Identifying queen cells is a positive sign that the bees are in the process of raising a new queen.
Assessing the quality of queen cells: Not all queen cells are created equal. It is important to evaluate the quality of the queen cells. Look for cells that are well-nourished, have a smooth texture, and are centrally located within the hive. These are indications of a strong queen being developed. On the other hand, cells that are small, irregular, or located on the edges of the frames may suggest a weaker queen.
Removing excess queen cells: In some cases, the bees may create multiple queen cells. It is advisable to remove the excess queen cells to prevent competition and potential issues within the hive. Leaving only the strongest queen cell will increase the chances of a successful queen mating and establishment.

Preventing Robbing Behavior

Robbing behavior can be a significant threat to the newly split hive. Robbing occurs when bees from other hives invade a weaker colony, attempting to steal its resources. To prevent robbing behavior and protect the new hive, certain measures can be taken:

Reduce hive entrances: By reducing the size of the hive entrance, the defending bees can more effectively guard against potential robbers. The smaller entrance makes it easier for the colony to defend itself, especially during times of vulnerability.
Minimize scent and spillage: Bees are highly sensitive to scents and odors. Minimizing the scent of honey or other attractants can help reduce the chances of robbing. Additionally, avoiding spillage of honey or syrup outside the hive will prevent attracting robbers.
Provide adequate ventilation: Proper ventilation within the hive helps to maintain a healthy and balanced environment. Adequate ventilation reduces the chances of condensation or excess moisture, which can attract robbers.
Avoid opening the hive unnecessarily: Frequent opening of the hive can trigger robbing behavior as it releases scents and signals potential weakness. Minimizing unnecessary disturbance and inspections will help maintain a low profile for the new hive.

Monitoring the Split Hives

In order to ensure the success and health of the split hives, it is crucial to regularly inspect them, assess the performance of the queen, and address any issues or weaknesses that may arise. By monitoring the split hives closely, beekeepers can take proactive measures to maintain the well-being of their colonies.

Regular Hive Inspections

Regular hive inspections are an essential part of beekeeping, especially when it comes to monitoring split hives. These inspections allow beekeepers to assess the overall condition of the hive, identify any potential problems, and make necessary adjustments. During these inspections, beekeepers should pay attention to the following aspects:

Brood Health: Check the brood frames for healthy brood patterns, ensuring that the larvae are well-formed and free from signs of disease or pests. Look for any abnormalities, such as spotty brood patterns or sunken cappings, which could indicate issues within the hive.
Queen Presence: Confirm the presence of the queen by locating her or observing signs of her activity, such as the presence of eggs, larvae, or capped brood. If the queen is absent or shows signs of poor performance, it may be necessary to take corrective measures.
Hive Population: Evaluate the strength of the hive by assessing the number of bees present. A strong hive should have a healthy population of worker bees, indicating a successful split. If the population seems low or dwindling, it may be necessary to take steps to bolster the hive’s numbers.
Honey Stores: Monitor the honey production within the split hive. Ensure that the bees have an ample food supply to sustain themselves. If necessary, provide supplemental feeding to support the hive during times of scarcity.

Assessing Queen Performance

The performance of the queen is a critical factor in the success of a split hive. Beekeepers must regularly assess the queen’s performance to ensure that she is fulfilling her role effectively. Here are some key aspects to consider when evaluating queen performance:

Egg Laying: Observe the queen’s egg-laying pattern. A healthy queen should lay a consistent and even distribution of eggs throughout the brood frames. Inconsistent or spotty egg-laying could indicate issues with the queen’s fertility or health.
Brood Development: Monitor the development of the brood. Healthy larvae should progress through their growth stages without any abnormalities. If there are signs of poor brood development, such as sunken or discolored cappings, it may be necessary to replace the queen.
Queen Behavior: Observe the queen’s behavior and temperament. A well-performing queen should exhibit calm and productive behavior, while an aggressive or lethargic queen could indicate underlying issues. Be attentive to any changes in the queen’s behavior, as it may require further investigation.

Addressing Issues or Weaknesses

Despite careful monitoring, issues or weaknesses can still arise within split hives. It is crucial for beekeepers to promptly address these issues to prevent further complications. Here are some common issues and ways to address them:

Disease or Pest Infestation: If a split hive shows signs of disease or pest infestation, it is important to take immediate action. This may involve implementing appropriate treatment methods or even requeening the hive if necessary. Consult with a local beekeeping expert or reference reliable resources to determine the best course of action.
Poor Queen Performance: If the queen’s performance is consistently subpar, it may be necessary to replace her. Introducing a new queen can rejuvenate the hive and improve productivity. Ensure that the new queen is of high quality and compatible with the hive.
Weak Hive Strength: If a split hive appears weak or struggling, additional support may be required. This can include providing supplemental feeding, merging the weak hive with a stronger one, or combining two weak hives to increase their chances of survival.

In conclusion, monitoring split hives through regular inspections, assessing queen performance, and addressing any issues or weaknesses that arise are crucial steps in successful beekeeping. By staying attentive to the needs of the hive and taking proactive measures, beekeepers can ensure the health and productivity of their split hives. Remember to constantly gather knowledge and seek guidance when faced with challenges, as beekeeping is an ever-evolving practice.