Inspect frames for queen cell type and location

Check every brood frame for queen cells every 7-10 days during active season, noting whether cells are on the face of the comb (supersedure) or along the bottom edges (swarm cells). When non-swarming queen cells appear, assess the queen's laying pattern and overall brood health to determine whether the colony is initiating a natural replacement.

Why It Works

Supersedure cells (typically 1-3, built on the comb face) signal the colony is quietly replacing a failing queen. Emergency cells (many, built over existing worker larvae) indicate sudden queenlessness. Distinguishing between these tells you whether intervention is needed or the bees are managing the transition themselves.

Tips

• Supersedure cells on the comb face with a still-laying queen often means the bees will handle replacement on their own
• Emergency cells scattered across frames suggest abrupt queen loss; verify the queen is present
• A spotty brood pattern with supersedure cells confirms the queen is underperforming
• Record cell count, type, and date to track whether the colony resolves the issue or needs help