How to mark a queen honey bee UK
Making a queen be is a simple way to allow you to find the queen during bee hive inspections.
You can mark a queen bee with either paint or a sticker.
Check which colour you should use to mark your queen with
This is only a suggestion and is a useful way to help age the queen. If you are colour-blind steer clear of red or green as these are difficult to see. White is a great choice for good contrast.
Queen marking colour standard:
| Year ending in | Colour | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 6 | White | Will |
| 2 or 7 | Yellow | You |
| 3 or 8 | Red | Rear |
| 4 or 9 | Green | Good |
| 5 or 0 | Blue | Bees? |
Purchase a pen, paint or stickers:
- POSCA pens are the go-to for most beekeepers.
- Choose a water-based quick-drying paint. Some people say you can use nail varnish. We wouldn't recommend this.
- Stickers can be found at most beekeeping suppliers.
Marking a queen bee with paint or a pen
Before you mark:
- Make sure that the pen is water-based ink and is non-toxic.
- Check that it is flowing properly by trying it on the side of the bee hive box or on the stand.
- The pen tip should be damp but not dripping.
Marking the queen:
- Catch the queen using a queen-catching cage. The ones that are a tube with a mesh are our go-to choice.
- Press queen to the roof of the tube and align her thorax between one of the grid holes.
- Apply a small amount of pen or paint onto her abdomen. Be careful to not apply any to her wings as this will likely cause the bees to supersede here.
