Clip one wing to manage swarming

Trim approximately one-third of one forewing using fine-tipped scissors while the queen is held steady. A clipped queen cannot fly, so if the colony swarms she will fall to the ground near the hive entrance rather than leading the swarm away. This gives the beekeeper time to intervene, recapture the queen, and address the swarming impulse.

How to Clip

1. Catch the queen gently and hold her by the thorax between your thumb and forefinger, or use a marking tube
2. Spread her wings by lightly pressing them apart
3. Cut roughly one-third off one forewing -- just the transparent wing tip beyond the veins
4. Release her carefully back onto a brood frame

Important Considerations

• Clipping does not prevent swarming -- the colony will still build queen cells and attempt to swarm
• Some beekeepers consider clipping controversial because it removes a natural ability
• A clipped queen that falls to the ground may be lost if workers cannot find her, potentially leaving the colony queenless
• Many beekeepers clip and mark at the same time, clipping the left wing in odd years and the right wing in even years as an additional age indicator

Tips

• Use sharp, fine-tipped scissors or dedicated queen clipping scissors for a clean cut
• Never cut into the wing veins -- only trim the clear membrane beyond them
• Combine clipping with other swarm management methods for best results