Queen Catcher Clip

Queen catcher cage, made of plastic

These clips are designed to safely catch and hold the queen bee without harming her, allowing beekeepers to perform various management tasks such as marking or temporarily isolating the queen. Here's a general guide on how to use these tools based on the information provided:

1. Opening the Clip: The queen catcher clip is typically a plastic or metal device that can be gently opened by pressing between the thumb and forefinger. This action separates the two halves of the clip, creating an opening.
2. Positioning Over the Queen: Once opened, the clip should be carefully positioned over the queen bee as she moves along the comb. The aim is to enclose the queen within the clip without catching any worker bees. However, if worker bees are also caught, the design of the clip usually allows them to escape while retaining the queen.
3. Closing the Clip: After ensuring the queen is inside, gently release the pressure between your thumb and forefinger to close the clip. The clip should securely hold the queen without applying excessive pressure that could harm her.
4. Handling the Queen: With the queen securely inside the clip, you can now safely transport her for marking or move her to a different location within the hive. The clip provides a secure environment that minimizes the risk of injury to the queen during handling.
5. Releasing the Queen: To release the queen back into the hive or into a queen cage, simply press the clip to open it again and carefully position it where you want the queen to be released. Ensure that the opening is facing the desired location, then gently encourage the queen to exit the clip by lightly tapping or shaking it if necessary.