Newspaper method

Place a single sheet of newspaper between the stronger colony (bottom) and the weaker colony (top) when combining hives. The bees chew through the paper over one to two days, allowing them to gradually exchange pheromones and accept each other without fighting.

Why It Works

The newspaper creates a temporary physical barrier that forces slow, controlled contact between the two colonies. As bees chew through, they progressively mingle and adopt a shared hive scent, preventing the sudden confrontation that triggers defensive aggression.

Tips

• Make a few small slits in the newspaper with a hive tool to help bees start chewing through
• Always place the queenright colony on the bottom
• Remove the queen from the weaker colony at least 24 hours before combining
• Check after three days and remove any remaining newspaper scraps