Mark queens with color-coded pens

Apply a small dot of non-toxic paint to the queen's thorax using a purpose-built queen marking pen. The international color code rotates on a 5-year cycle: white (years ending in 1 or 6), yellow (2 or 7), red (3 or 8), green (4 or 9), and blue (5 or 0). A marked queen is far easier to spot on a busy frame and lets you confirm her age at a glance.

How to Mark

1. Gently catch the queen using a marking tube or queen catcher
2. Lightly press the plunger so her thorax is accessible through the mesh
3. Dab a single small dot of the correct year-color on the center of her thorax
4. Wait 30-60 seconds for the paint to dry before releasing her onto the frame

Tips

• Practice on drones first to build confidence before handling the queen
• Avoid getting paint on her eyes, antennae, or wings
• A well-marked queen is easier to find during inspections, saving time and reducing hive disturbance
• Marking also reveals supersedure -- if you find an unmarked queen, the colony replaced her