The queen bee isn’t just a figurehead—she’s the single egg-layer in the colony and the source of powerful pheromones that maintain order. Her scent regulates the behavior of worker bees, suppresses the development of new queens, and keeps the colony functioning as a single unit.
Detecting a Queenless Hive
A hive knows quickly when something is wrong. The absence or decline of queen pheromones sets off alarms. Workers become agitated, the brood pattern starts to falter, and the hive begins preparing for drastic measures.
Emergency Queen Rearing
When a queen dies or fails, workers spring into action. They select several very young larvae (less than 3 days old) and begin feeding them royal jelly exclusively. These larvae are raised in enlarged queen cells, designed specifically for developing a new monarch.
A Queen Showdown
The first queen to emerge has one goal: eliminate the competition. She’ll seek out the other developing queens still inside their cells and sting them before they can hatch. If more than one emerges at once, a deadly duel will determine the rightful ruler.
Vulnerability During Transition
Without a laying queen, the hive halts new brood production. This makes the colony more susceptible to pests, diseases, and robbing from nearby hives. It’s a stressful time, and one that can make or break a colony’s survival.
Beekeeper Intervention
Some beekeepers let the hive raise its own queen naturally, while others prefer to introduce a mated queen for a faster recovery. Each approach has its pros and cons, depending on timing, weather, and the strength of the colony.
Nature’s Resilience
Despite the drama, the hive’s ability to respond to a queen’s loss is a powerful example of resilience and order. With teamwork and urgency, bees can raise a new leader and steer the colony back to stability.
Honey Facts
Honey Bees have extreme sense of smell which allows them to find their hive and they dance when they return to the hive to tell the other bees where the flowers are. Also, 99% of the bee colony is composed of female bees known as WORKER bees. Worker honey bees transform the floral nectar that gather into honey by adding enzymes to the nectar and reducing the moisture.
SAMMY'S SOUTHERN HONEY
Thank You!
Each jar of honey purchased helps to keep our hardworking family business in operation, and allows Sammy to continue sustainable and ethical bee farming here in the heart of Louisiana. Add some Sammy’s Southern Honey sweetness to your life today!
