How often are queen bees typically replaced in a thriving colony?

In a thriving bee colony, queen bees are typically replaced every 2-3 years. This timeframe is based on the natural lifecycle and productivity of the queen. As queens age, their egg-laying capacity tends to decline, which can impact the overall health and productivity of the colony. By replacing the queen during this period, colonies ensure that they continue to have a vigorous and fertile leader that can maintain healthy brood production and a strong workforce.

While some colonies may replace queens more frequently due to issues like disease or poor performance, or in the event of swarming, the general practice in the absence of these factors is to introduce a new queen every 2-3 years. This helps to maintain optimal colony performance and ensures genetic diversity within the hive.