Marking
In the queen marking category you will find tools for safe and quick marking of honey bee queens. We offer both basic and professional catching aids, such as plastic and stainless-steel queen catchers or needle-type marking cages. For the marking itself, you can choose from non-toxic paints and opalith marking discs, which are waterproof, fast-drying, and adhere well. We also offer modern marking pens and marking nets for easy identification of mated and unmated queens. When choosing, don’t forget to select the colour according to the marking colour code for the given calendar year.
Queen Marking Paint - bottle
Fast-drying paint for marking queen bees. No need to worry about smudging or dripping. Besides the queen, it can also be used to mark other materials. Don't forget to select the appropriate color for the respective calendar year.
Glue for opalith markers - Synthetic resin - 2 ml
Glue for opalite markers for marking queen bees, based on synthetic resin. Colored markers for queen bees are glued to the thorax of the queens.
Opalith number markers - 1-100 PL various colors
Modern way of queen marking. Small, color-coded numbers that are relevant to the year. Each package contains a set of numbers from 1 to 99.
Queen catcher clips - galvanized
Queen catcher clips (galvanized) for capturing queen from hive. It is made of galvanized plate and is in the shape of a simple cage.
Mark without numbers for marking queens - various colours
Modern way of queen marking. Small, color-coded numbers that are relevant to the year. Each pack contains 60 pieces. They are attached to the queen with acetone (Celox, Nicel) or a nail polish.
Professional plunger 3 in1 queen marker
A very popular bee marker that is a symbol of practicality. High-quality plastics and practical design ensure easy use of the knob. The Queen is well fixed in it. The pad is provided with a molten sponge.
Opalith number tags - 1-99 DE
Modern method of queen marking.
Small tags with printed numbers in a color scheme that corresponds to the given year.
Marker for Bee Mothers
Plastic pliers for bee queen marking. Great tool for marking queen. You do not have to give the queen a whip. The force of the push is easily adjusted using the screw that is at the top of the pliers.
Past queen marking tube - E type
Simple marking tube for all beekeepers who call themselves queen. It serves to gently capture the queen from the hive and mark it. Marking and picking marker tube is easy to operate and thanks to its plastic construction there is no risk of damaging the queen itself.
Queen bee marking marker pen. - FIX Japan
Uni POSCA PC-5M is a color marker for every occasion. The marker is also suitable for marking bee queens. Water markers are designed to mark a variety of materials.
Queen marker glue - Shellac
Queen marker glue for marking bees on a queen. Shell-based adhesive for opalite marks for queen bees. Color marks on bees, including numbered and fancy, can be glued to the mothers chest with a proven shellac solution.
Professional tube for queen marking - yellow
A very popular queen marking tube, which is a symbol of practicality. This marking tube is used by most professional beekeepers.
Marking queen cage - Lyson P
Easy Marking queen cage. Plastic cage for marking of your queens.
Numbers for marking queens - 1-99 various colours
Modern way of queen marking. Small, color-coded numbers that are relevant to the year. Each package contains a set of numbers from 1 to 99.
Queen marking paint - bottle - 10 ml
Watermarked, manageable and fast drying colors so you do not have to worry about blur. In addition to the queen, you can tag all the materials.
Glass queen marking tube
Simple marking tube for all beekeepers who call themselves queen. It serves to gently capture the queen from the hive and mark it. Marking and picking marker tube is easy to operate and thanks to its plastic construction there is no risk of damaging the queen itself.
Queen bee marking marker pen
These colored pencils will find wide use in your apiary. They are waterproof, dilutable, and quick-drying, so you don't have to worry about smudging.
Cage for queen marking
The marking cage serves as a queen. Using this tool, you can distinguish the queen and the queen by using color, sign, or small numbers. Queen markings should not be underestimated even by beginning beekeepers, so you can have an overview of the queen age.
Needle queen isolation cage
Needle cage on the queen. The needle cage is designed for easy, safe
and quick capture of the queen bee. Queen is suitable for closing the queen
directly on the honeycomb, then you can manipulate the bee with the beehive.
Queen catcher clips (stainless steel)
Queen catcher clips (stainless steel) for capturing queen from hive. It is made of stainless steel plate and is in the shape of a simple cage.
Queen catcher clips (plastic, transparent)
Queen catcher clips (plastic, transparent) for safe capture of queen bees. The lightweight and practical plastic queen catcher clips is actually a cage with holes that are large enough for the bees of the workman to get through without problems.
Past queen marking tube - G type
Simple marking tube for all beekeepers who call themselves queen. It serves to gently capture the queen from the hive and mark it. Marking and picking marker tube is easy to operate and thanks to its plastic construction there is no risk of damaging the queen itself.
Queen Marking – The Key to Efficient Beekeeping
Beekeeping is an art that combines knowledge of nature with precise techniques. Marking queens plays an important role in this craft. Identifying honey bee queens not only makes hive inspections quicker and easier but also provides valuable information about the age and condition of each colony. For this purpose, beekeepers use various specialized tools.
Tools for Queen Marking
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Marking Pens: Special non-toxic pens are ideal for marking queens. The color system follows an international code, making orientation easier – from blue to green – with each color representing the last digit of the queen’s birth year.
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Adhesives for Opal Identification Tags: Used to attach small identification discs. These colored tags can also include numbers, allowing for individual tracking. Their bright colors and reflective surfaces make locating and identifying queens much easier.
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Queen Catchers and Marking Aids: Clips and cages provide a safe and secure environment for holding the queen temporarily during marking, ensuring additional protection.
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Marking Tubes and Push-Up Plungers: Convenient tools that allow precise and gentle marking without unnecessary stress or risk of injury to the queen.
Tips for Successful Queen Marking
Every good beekeeper knows that a steady hand and the right tools are key to successful marking. It’s important to follow the recognized color code to easily determine a queen’s age and to use only a minimal amount of adhesive when securing the identification tag.
The Importance of Consistent Queen Marking
Marking queens is not just a routine procedure—it’s an essential step in effective colony management. It allows quick determination of a queen’s age and helps optimize breeding programs. Our selection of products includes everything you need to support healthy, productive colonies that thrive throughout the beekeeping season. Explore our range and discover how our marking tools can enhance your beekeeping practices.
Marking Honey Bee Queens: A Must for Every Beekeeper
Beekeeping is much more than raising bees and collecting honey. One of the key elements of success is proper care for the queens. These central figures of the hive ensure brood production and maintain colony harmony. The ability to quickly and effectively identify a queen is therefore essential—especially during the high season.
Color Rules and Year Coding
The color coding system based on the last digit of the year makes it easier to remember. For example:
White: years ending in 1 or 6 (2021, 2026)
Yellow: 2 or 7 (2022, 2027)
Red: 3 or 8 (2023, 2028)
Green: 4 or 9 (2024, 2029)
Blue: 5 or 0 (2025, 2030)
As a simple memory aid, you can use the phrase “Will You Raise Good Bees?” or come up with your own mnemonic for recalling the sequence.
How to Mark Queens Correctly
Queen marking can be done using special marking paints or opal tags. When using paint, make sure the marking color is acetone-based and quick-drying. Hold the queen carefully—preferably by her thorax between your thumb and forefinger—never by the abdomen, which contains delicate organs.
If you choose opal tags, apply a small amount of a suitable adhesive such as craft glue (e.g., Hercules-type) to the thoracic hairs and gently press on the tag. After a few seconds, once the glue has dried, the queen can be safely returned to the hive. Avoid using too much glue or paint, as this could interfere with the queen’s natural behavior or acceptance by the colony.
Be Aware of Potential Risks
Young queens are lighter and more likely to fly off. Therefore, marking should be done in an enclosed space—such as a vehicle, trailer, or under a bee veil—to minimize the risk of losing them. Tools like queen catchers or clip cages can be very helpful for this task.
Queen marking should never be underestimated, as it’s one of the key techniques in efficient beekeeping. Consistent marking provides beekeepers with greater control over the colony’s genetics, health, and productivity. By following proper marking principles, stress and potential issues with queens are minimized, ensuring a smooth and successful beekeeping season.
