Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
10 Common Questions About Queen Excluders
- What is a queen excluder and what does it do?
- It’s a metal or plastic screen that allows the worker bees through but blocks the larger queen.
- Used to keep the queen from laying eggs in honey supers.
- Ensures clean, brood-free honey frames for harvesting.
- When should I install the queen excluder?
- Just before adding honey supers during a nectar flow.
- When you’re certain the queen is in the brood box below.
- Some beekeepers wait until bees are moving up before installing it.
- Can bees get stuck at the queen excluder and refuse to go up?
- Yes, especially with only foundation above.
- Drawn comb or bait frames help encourage movement through the excluder.
- Some bees may hesitate initially but adjust over time.
- Does the queen excluder hurt honey production?
- If used improperly, it can slow nectar storage and reduce harvest.
- Bees may be reluctant to cross if there’s no reason to go up.
- Proper timing and drawn comb mitigate this effect.
- Can the queen get through the excluder accidentally?
- Rarely, small queens can sometimes squeeze through.
- Old or damaged excluders might have warped spacing.
- Regular inspection helps prevent this issue.
- Should I leave the queen excluder on all season?
- Only during active honey production.
- Remove it when supers are no longer in use or during dearths.
- Leaving it too long may block cluster movement in cold weather.
- What type of queen excluder is best—metal or plastic?
- Metal excluders are more durable and preferred by many beekeepers.
- Plastic is lighter and cheaper but can warp or break over time.
- Choose based on budget, durability, and maintenance preference.
- How do I ensure the queen stays below the excluder?
- Confirm she’s below when installing it—inspect frames for eggs.
- Use a double screen or separation box when uncertain.
- Marking the queen helps you track her location easily.
- Do I need to use a queen excluder at all?
- Not necessarily—many beekeepers use brood management instead.
- Letting the queen move freely can boost hive productivity.
- Choosing not to use one requires extra vigilance during harvesting.
- Can a queen excluder be used in swarm control?
- Yes, to trap the queen in the lower box to prevent absconding.
- Used temporarily in splits or swarm traps to limit queen movement.
- Helpful in catching swarms inside a trap-out box.