Combine with a stronger colony using the newspaper method

Merge a weak colony (fewer than 3 frames of bees) into a strong, healthy hive using the newspaper method. This sacrifices the weak unit but ensures its remaining bees contribute to a productive colony rather than dwindling to collapse.

Steps

1. Confirm the strong colony is queen-right and healthy with at least 6-8 frames of bees.
2. Remove the queen from the weak colony (or confirm it is already queenless).
3. Place a single sheet of newspaper over the top bars of the strong colony and poke 3-4 small slits with your hive tool.
4. Set the weak colony's brood box directly on top of the newspaper.
5. Check after 3-5 days — the bees will chew through the newspaper and merge peacefully as the pheromones gradually blend.

Tips

• Never combine a diseased colony — inspect for American foulbrood and Nosema before merging
• Best done in early spring when the strong colony still has room to expand
• If the weak colony has a laying queen you want to keep, requeen the strong colony with her instead