Demaree method

The Demaree method is a term used in beekeeping that describes a swarming prevention method. The method was first published by George Demaree in an article in the American Bee Journal in 1884. It involves separation of the queen from the brood. However, it requires a great deal of labor and time.

Step 1

At the dandelion and apple bloom reverse the hive bodies.

Step 2

In early May, when queen cells appear in the beehive, a single frame with the queen bee is removed. Any primed queen cells on that frame are removed. The original hive bodies are put aside. A hive box without bees but with with seven drawn frames is put in place of the original hive box onto the bottom board. The frame with the queen, a frame with honey and a frame with pollen is added to that hive box, which now has a complete set of ten frames. A single queen excluder or a double queen excluder is put on top of that hive body. Destroy any primed queen cells that are present in the remaining hive box. Put a deep or several supers above the first hive body (drawn comb preferred). Put the original hive box(es) full of brood on top. Now, what will happen is that the foraging bees will fly into the bottom hive body where the queen is. The young nurse bees will follow with the brood to the top of the hive.

Step 3

In 7-10 days check again for primed queen cells and destroy any found.

Step 4

Remove queen excluder and recombine hive bodies when the prime swarming season is over.