Queen clipping scissors

Queen clipping scissors are fine-tipped scissors used to clip a small portion of one wing of the queen bee. Wing clipping is a controversial swarm control technique aimed at preventing the queen from flying away with a swarm. By clipping one wing, the queen is rendered flightless, theoretically grounding the swarm near the hive. Clipping does not prevent swarming but may make swarm capture easier. The practice is debated due to ethical concerns about altering the queen's natural abilities. Queen clipping scissors are commercially available and inexpensive.