Brutal weather in 2017 caused widespread queen bee failure. Consistent rain interfered with mating flights, leading to unmated queens and increased swarming. A shocking test revealed only 30% of slow-laying queens were properly mated. The solution? The 2-week rule: check new queens, and if no healthy laying pattern emerges, replace her immediately. Don't gamble on emergency replacements; be proactive for…
Breck DemersApril 10, 2026