After introducing a new queen, how long should you wait to allow workers to release her?

After introducing a new queen, waiting 3-4 days before allowing the worker bees to release her is important for several reasons. This timeframe allows the worker bees to become accustomed to the new queen's pheromones. Initially, the bees may see her as an intruder, and acclimatizing them during this period helps to reduce aggressive behavior towards her.

During these days, the queen is usually enclosed in a release cage, often containing a sugary candy or fondant that the workers can eat through to gradually free her. This slow release is crucial for ensuring that when she is eventually let out, she is accepted by the colony rather than being attacked.

The duration of 3-4 days balances the risk of rejection and the need for the colony to become familiar with the queen’s presence. If released too soon, the bees may not have adequately accepted her, leading to potential issues such as the workers turning on her and either harming her or forcing her out. This careful introduction process is a key practice in successful beekeeping management when introducing new queens.