División de colmena

Division of a Bee Colony: Tetragonisca Angustula

Introduction to Materials and Process

• The process begins with the division of a bee colony, specifically Tetragonisca angustula. Basic materials required include:

• A spatula for opening the hive.

• A smaller spatula for sectioning.

• An even smaller spatula for assistance during the work.

• Tape to seal gaps and protect against pests.

Understanding Swarming Behavior

• The colony is observed to be preparing to swarm, indicated by bees flying around. This behavior suggests that:

• The population has grown significantly, necessitating division to create new nests.

• Swarming occurs naturally when there is abundant flowering, not solely due to lack of space.

Identifying Queen Cells

• New queen cells are identified at the edges of brood frames. Key points include:

• These cells will produce new queens (princesses), which will leave with groups of worker bees.

• The emergence of these princesses leads to the formation of new colonies.

Executing the Division

• The actual division process aims to multiply colonies without causing significant disruption. Important steps include:

• Carefully splitting the nest into two parts while minimizing honey spillage and disturbance.

• Ensuring both sections have sufficient resources and potential for future queens.

Advantages of Using Impa Hives

• Utilizing impa hives offers several benefits during division:

• No honey spillage or pillaging from other insects occurs during the process.

• Both mother and daughter colonies can be established efficiently without major disruptions.

Finalizing the Division Process

• After dividing, it’s crucial to ensure both colonies are properly set up:

• Return empty frames back to the mother colony after taking necessary sections for the daughter colony.

• Close off any openings using tape or alternative sealing methods to prevent invasions by pests like ants or other bees.