Beehive Management: Reversing Brood Boxes for Bee Colony Health

Beehive management is crucial for maintaining a healthy and thriving colony. One of the key aspects of beehive management is reversing brood boxes, a technique that can help ensure the bee colony’s health and prevent issues such as overcrowding and swarming. In this article, we will explore the theory of reversing brood boxes, when to do it, if you should do it, and how it impacts the overall management of your hive.

What Is Reversing Brood Boxes?

The practice of reversing brood boxes comes from the belief that honey bee colonies, as they consume their winter honey stores, will naturally move upward within the hive. Honey is typically stored above the brood nest, and as these reserves are depleted, the colony tends to migrate upward. This upward movement often causes the cluster to occupy the top box of the hive. When spring arrives, the colony begins to expand, but if the queen cannot access open brood frames below, overcrowding and swarm preparations may begin. The goal of reversing brood boxes is to move the brood nest to the lowest point in the hive, providing more room for expansion and storage, which can help delay or even prevent swarming.

The Rights and Wrongs of Reversing Brood Boxes

While reversing brood boxes can be an effective way to manage your colony, it’s important to understand the potential risks and benefits. When you reverse the boxes, the brood nest, which could span both boxes, may become split into two parts. If there are not enough nurse bees to care for both parts, it could lead to issues, particularly in cold weather. Beehive inspections are essential before deciding to reverse the boxes to ensure the colony has enough bees to manage the brood in both sections. Consider avoiding reversal if bees are spanning both boxes.

Reversing the brood boxes too early in the season can harm the colony, as the bees may not be able to maintain the warmth of both boxes, leading to chilled brood or even the death of the colony. On the other hand, waiting too long to reverse the boxes can lead to overcrowding and the beginning of swarm preparations. Timing is critical when reversing brood boxes to maintain bee colony health and prevent issues down the line.

Is Reversing Brood Boxes Really Necessary?

The necessity of reversing brood boxes is a point of debate among beekeepers. Some believe that it’s an essential part of beehive management, while others argue that it’s more of a tradition than a necessity. Rusty Berlew, a beekeeper and writer of Honey Bee Suite, suggests that reversing may not always provide a clear benefit. She notes, "I get the feeling that reversing is one of those things we do because we always did it before, not because it has any clear and compelling benefit."

On the other hand, Larry Connor, a well-respected author and beekeeper, argues that reversing can be helpful, particularly if the brood nest is already in one box. According to Connor, reversing the boxes at the right time ensures the entire brood nest remains intact and doesn’t become split, which could compromise the colony's overall health.

Whether or not to reverse the brood boxes depends on the condition of the hive and the goals of the beekeeper. As the season progresses, many colonies naturally move into the top of the lower box and expand downward. However, some colonies may require a bit of intervention to manage the expanding brood and prevent overcrowding, which is where reversing the boxes could be beneficial.

Understanding Colony Behavior During Spring Expansion

The decision to reverse brood boxes should not be taken lightly. The behavior of the colony during spring expansion plays a significant role in whether or not reversing is necessary. If bees are brooding in the top of the hive, the queen may need to move downward to access open cells for egg laying. If there’s no space below, overcrowding could occur, which may trigger swarming behavior.

Understanding bee colony health during spring is key to making the right decision. For example, if the bees are already brooding in both the top and bottom boxes, adding supers might cause the queen to expand the brood nest into the honey super. However, if there is no honey or brood in the bottom box, reversing the boxes could help them move upward (natural tendency) to find the expansion space needed.

As you carry out regular beehive inspections, consider the following questions when evaluating whether to reverse the brood boxes:

• Where is the majority of the brood nest located?
• Are the bees brooding in the top, bottom, or both boxes?
• If you add supers, where will the queen expand her brood nest?
• Does the top box still contain honey, or is it empty?

By understanding these conditions, you’ll be better equipped to make the right decision.

When to Reverse Brood Boxes: Timing Is Everything

The key to successful beehive management is knowing when to reverse the brood boxes. If you reverse too early in the season, the colony may not have enough nurse bees to maintain the temperature in both boxes, which can result in chilled brood and colony decline. On the other hand, waiting too long could lead to overcrowding and swarm preparations.

Beekeepers must learn to read their colony’s behavior and adjust their management practices accordingly. The right timing for reversing brood boxes can vary depending on local climate conditions and the colony’s progress. It’s essential to conduct regular beehive inspections to assess the brood nest’s location and the overall health of the colony. Monitoring these factors will help you determine when to reverse the boxes for the best results.

Conclusion: Reversing Brood Boxes for Bee Colony Health

Reversing brood boxes is a valuable technique in beehive management, but it’s not always necessary. When and why to reverse the boxes depends on the specific needs of your colony, as well as your ability to monitor their behavior through regular beehive inspections. While some beekeepers find success with this practice, others may prefer to let the colony naturally expand without intervention.

Ultimately, the goal is to maintain bee colony health and prevent issues like overcrowding and swarming. By carefully considering the needs of your bees, evaluating the conditions inside the hive, and timing your interventions appropriately, you can manage your colony’s growth and ensure their success throughout the season.

By: James Elam