The Demaree method is a time-tested beekeeping technique used to control swarming, facilitate queen replacement, and even produce nuclei. Originally developed by George Demaree in 1884, it rearranges the colony by separating the queen from brood and nurse bees within the same hive. This creates an environment that reduces the colony’s urge to swarm while maintaining its strength.
Why Use the Demaree Method?
This method is especially beneficial for beekeepers who need a reliable way to manage strong colonies prone to swarming. By preventing overcrowding and giving the queen more space to lay, the Demaree method keeps colonies together, allowing for continued honey production without losing bees to a swarm.
How the Demaree Method Works
The technique involves setting up the hive in a way that separates the queen and flying bees from the brood and nurse bees by using a second brood box and queen excluders. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare a Second Brood Box: Get a spare brood box with drawn comb or foundation. Remove two frames from the centre of this box to create space.
- Move the Original Brood Box: During a routine inspection, if you spot queen cells, set the original brood box aside and cover it to keep the bees calm.
- Locate and Move the Queen: Find the queen in the original brood box, and place her and her frame in the new brood box’s centre, ensuring no queen cells are present on that frame.
- Stack the Hive Components:
- Place the queen excluder on top of the new brood box containing the queen.
- Stack the honey supers above this excluder.
- Place a second queen excluder on top of the supers.
- Finally, add the original brood box on top, moving the combs to one side to close any gaps.
- Inspect and Manage Queen Cells: Check for and remove any new queen cells in the top brood box after about 5-7 days to avoid unwanted swarming. Repeat inspections every 5 days to ensure no new queen cells are developing.
Key Tips for Success
- Timing is Crucial: Ensure that the colony is in peak strength and beginning swarm preparations, such as by seeing brood on at least eight frames and early queen cups.
- Mark the Queen Early: Identifying and moving the queen is much easier if she’s marked, so plan ahead.
- Regular Inspections: Swarm control relies on vigilance. Removing queen cells every few days ensures the colony doesn’t get the chance to swarm.
Advantages of the Demaree Method
- Effective Swarm Prevention: By splitting the hive but keeping the colony together, swarming is significantly reduced.
- Queen Rearing and Nuc Production: The top brood box can develop emergency queen cells, providing an opportunity to rear queens for new colonies or splits.
- Comb Renewal: The upper brood box allows for easy renewal of brood comb.
Disadvantages of the Demaree Method
- Labour-Intensive: The method requires regular inspections and handling of heavy hive components.
- Risk of Swarming: If even one queen cell is missed, there’s still a chance the colony will swarm.
Using the Demaree Method for Requeening
This method is also popular for introducing a new queen. A split board in place of the top queen excluder allows a young queen to be raised in the upper brood box. Once she’s mated and established, she can replace the older queen below.
Final Thoughts
The Demaree method can be a highly effective swarm control and colony management tool when applied consistently. Though originally designed for American bees, it can work well for British or Irish bees with proper planning and attention to colony strength. Each beekeeper may develop their own tweaks to suit local conditions and preferences.
For a visual guide, check out this Demaree Method video on YouTube.