Requeening with hygienic stock

Requeening with hygienic stock is a biological control method for chalkbrood. Hygienic bees exhibit enhanced nest cleaning behavior, including the ability to detect and remove diseased larvae, such as those infected with chalkbrood fungus. Introducing a queen from a genetic line known for hygienic traits can improve a colony's natural resistance to chalkbrood and other brood diseases. Hygienic requeening is a preventative and long-term strategy that enhances the colony's inherent defenses. It is particularly useful in areas where chalkbrood is a recurring issue. Selecting queens from breeders specializing in hygienic stock is essential. A queen cage is used for the safe introduction of a new queen, and a hive tool is needed for hive manipulation during requeening.