Goal: Safely unite underperforming hives so one strong hive can build population, protect stores, and survive winter.
Why it matters: Small units with fewer than about three frames covered by adult bees struggle to keep brood warm and defend resources. Merging reduces time spent propping up failing hives and boosts overall apiary health.
This guide uses the newspaper method as the core tactic. A single sheet with small slits placed between the units lets scent blend slowly and cuts fighting. Place the weaker hive above the stronger one when practical.
Before you start, assess each hive for queen status, brood placement, and honey above the nest. Aim for about ten medium frames of honey above brood for winter readiness. Expect some foragers loss from the weaker unit; the aim is one queen leading a consolidated colony with honey on top and brood below.
Key Takeaways
- Set the objective: one viable hive that can overwinter and defend stores.
- Use the newspaper method to reduce aggression and allow scent blending.
- Merge late summer or early fall when possible for best winter success.
- Watch for chewed paper at the entrance as a sign the merge is working.
- Plan for risks: disease transfer, queen loss, and robbing during nectar dearth.
Why Combine Colonies: Benefits, Risks, and When It Makes Sense
When numbers dwindle, consolidating hive resources often yields a stronger, more resilient unit. A unified colony improves brood care, keeps the nest warmer, and mounts a better defense at the entrance. That makes winter survival much more likely than leaving two underpowered hives to fend for themselves.
Consolidation saves time for the beekeeper. Managing one healthy hive reduces inspections, feeding, and treatments compared with propping up multiple failing units.
Resource-wise, stacking stores above the brood is critical. Aim for at least ten medium frames of honey over the nest and roughly 30 kg of sugar-equivalent stores for winter. If disease or varroa are present, isolate and treat instead of merging; that is a major risk.
- Benefits: better thermoregulation, improved foraging efficiency, stronger entrance defense.
- Risks: pathogen spread, varroa transfer, queen conflict, and robbing during dearth.
- When it makes sense: late summer to early fall for winter prep, or when queenlessness and small cluster size (2–4 frames) threaten survival.
- When not to merge: visible disease, laying worker issues, or active heavy mite loads.
Practical tip: choose calm, sunny weather and late afternoon or evening for the operation. Pre-select the queen that will lead the new colony, record your observations, and watch for chewed paper at the entrance as a sign the merge is progressing.
Assessing Colony Strength Before You Start
Start by measuring adult bee coverage and brood distribution across frames. A quick, accurate count gives the clearest signal about whether consolidation will help or harm the apiary.
What counts as a weak unit
If adult bees cover fewer than about three full frames, or only 2–4 frames in total, classify the hive as underpowered. Such units struggle to keep brood warm, guard the entrance, and forage effectively.
Queenless hive versus an underperforming hive queen
Look for eggs and young larvae. A consistent brood pattern with eggs in cells means a functioning hive queen.
Absent eggs or scattered brood for over a week, and emergency cells built without fresh eggs, point to a queenless hive. Record these findings before any action.
Red flags: disease, laying workers, and virgin queens
Do not merge when you find multiple eggs per cell, drone brood in worker cells, or erratic comb use—these are classic laying worker signs.
Spot signs of disease or heavy parasites first. A virgin queen can threaten a mated hive queen; verify queen status and temperament during inspections.
- Frames and brood benchmarks: check capped vs. open brood and whether bees cover brood on both sides of frames.
- Resource check: count nectar, honey, and pollen frames to confirm the combined unit can support brood growth.
- Temperament: defensive behavior may indicate queen problems or robbing pressure.
Health and Biosecurity Checks to Prevent Spreading Problems
A careful health check can stop a minor issue from spreading through the apiary. Confirm the status of each unit before any movement. A clean bill of health raises the odds of one stable hive going into winter.
Screen for disease and parasites before merging
Run a quick checklist: assess mite loads, look for spotty brood patterns, and scan adult bees for deformed wing or lethargy.
- Inspect capped cells for sunken or perforated cappings.
- Check adults for shriveled wings or unusual behavior.
- Record mite counts and recent treatments in apiary notes.
When not to merge: signs that require isolation instead
Do not unite a unit showing foulbrood signs, chalkbrood mummies, or clear deformed wing virus symptoms. Combining will amplify pathogen pressure across the new colony.
Avoid merging if laying workers are present or a virgin queen might threaten a selected mated queen. In those cases, isolate and treat the affected hive rather than risking queen loss.
Reduce entrances during nectar dearth to lower robbing and drifting. Always disinfect tools between inspections and keep concise treatment records to justify future decisions.
Selecting the Queen That Will Lead the Combined Hive
Choose the queen who gives the best chance for rapid recovery and steady brood growth.
Selection criteria — look for a consistent laying pattern, plenty of eggs and young larvae, and a calm colony demeanor. If you know age or performance history, prefer the younger, more productive queen.
Safe, ethical removal
Remove the less viable queen before merging. Leaving both leaders risks violent conflict and the loss of both queens, which can leave the unit queenless.
Practical steps
- Identify and mark the chosen hive queen clearly before frame handling.
- If preferred, cage a new queen briefly, but with the newspaper method free introduction usually works.
- Dispatch the weaker queen swiftly and humanely to minimize stress on surrounding bees.
| Criteria | Keep | Dispatch |
|---|---|---|
| Laying pattern | Consistent eggs and young larvae | Spotty or no eggs |
| Colony behavior | Calm, productive foraging | Highly defensive, low foragers |
| Age/performance | Young or proven breeder | Old or failing queen |
Note: If one unit is a queenless hive, default to keeping the queen-right unit as the base. Record queen lineage and mark queens for easier follow-up inspections. Securing a single accepted leader is the most critical factor for a successful consolidation and fast recovery.
Tools and Setup: What You Need on Hand
Prepare gear near the hives so inspections stay brief and stress stays low. Stage everything in order of use and wear full protective gear; merged units can react unpredictably and may defend a queen.
Core materials
- Single sheet newspaper and one extra sheet for backup.
- Hive tool and a smoker with ample fuel.
- Spray bottle filled with light sugar syrup (use plain sugar blend).
- Entrance reducers and a reliable feeder.
- Protective clothing and a clean work surface.
Spare equipment and setup notes
Have an extra brood box or spare hive body ready. Position the weak unit above the stronger base using that extra hive body for a secure stack.
Why newspaper works: the newspaper allows gradual pheromone exchange while bees chew through the paper. Cut a few small slits so chewing is controlled and immediate mixing is prevented.
Use cool, steady smoke on both hives to blur scent. Light misting with syrup prompts bees to clean and mingle, which helps blend odors. Pre-fit entrance reducers to discourage robbing and have internal or top feeders in place for steady nutrition.
Consolidating the Weak Hive Before the Merge
Trim the failing unit down to its most valuable frames and place them into one tight brood box. This reduces stress on the small cluster, limits drifting, and helps bees chew through newspaper for orientation reset.
Choosing the best frames: brood, pollen, and frames honey
Select the top 8–10 brood frames first. Prioritize solid brood frames with eggs and young larvae, then add frames rich in pollen and frames honey with good capping.
Condensing to one brood box
Place chosen brood frames in the center of one box. Flank them with pollen and honey. Tight clustering helps bees cover both sides of key brood frames and maintain nest warmth.
Removing a failing new queen
If a new or underperforming queen is present, remove her before the transfer. That prevents queen conflict and increases the chance the selected queen will lead the unified hive.
- Shake bees from surplus frames and freeze or store those frames for pest control.
- Label or photograph the layout for later reorganization.
- Handle brood gently to avoid chilling or injury.
Optimizing the Strong Colony for a Smooth Merge
Before stacking boxes, inspect the base nest and note any thin or spotty brood frames.
Assess the strong hive’s brood area. Identify frames with poor brood patterns or low stores. Mark frames that need replacing.
Swapping in better brood frames
Move only clear upgrades from the condensed box. Place superior brood frames into the center of the bottom box so the brood area stays coherent.
- Verify queen location in the strong base before moving frames to avoid accidental harm.
- Group brood frames tightly to eliminate cold gaps and support larval development.
- Limit moves: swap a few frames, not the entire nest, to reduce disruption.
“Small, targeted swaps yield large gains in colony stability.”
Use moderate smoke so the queen does not hide. Once frames are set, proceed immediately with the newspaper stack. This keeps field bees oriented and the top strong box ready for joining.
| Action | Purpose | Recommended limit |
|---|---|---|
| Swap poor brood frames | Improve nest quality | 2–3 frames |
| Group brood centrally | Prevent cold gaps | All brood frames together |
| Verify queen position | Protect leader | Confirm before any move |
For a step-by-step reference on merging technique, consult the combine beehives guide.
How to Combine Using the Newspaper Method
Begin the merge by keeping the stronger hive undisturbed as the base and prepare the upper unit for a gradual, controlled union. This preserves forager orientation and lowers stress.
Place the strong hive on the bottom; put the weak hive on top
Confirm the strong hive stays in its original location. This helps returning bees find the correct entrance and stabilizes the group quickly.
Lay a single sheet newspaper and cut small slits
Lay a single sheet newspaper across the top bars of the uppermost brood box. Use a hive tool to cut a few small slits so chewing begins in a controlled way.
Stack the upper brood box, then add inner and hive top cover
Gently set the condensed brood box on the paper. Fit the inner cover and hive top cover securely. Seal lower cracks on the upper box so bees must chew through the paper to exit.
Seal, manage entrances, and wait
Install entrance reducers and consider a small top entrance for ventilation. Use light smoke before stacking to calm bees.
Wait several days and watch for chewed newspaper bits at the entrance. When most paper is cleared, open carefully and confirm one calm cluster and queen acceptance. Record timing and observations for follow-up.
Managing Entrances, Ventilation, and Bee Orientation
A modest top opening encourages short flights and forces returning bees to reorient to the combined hive position. Add a small top entrance above the upper box so bees can leave for defecation and nearby forage without large numbers drifting away.
Creating a top exit and encouraging reorientation
Loosely stuff grass or pine needles into the new opening. The mild obstruction makes bees pause and learn the new placement of the hive. This simple step reduces loss of returning foragers and speeds orientation.
Ventilation tips while newspaper is intact
Keep ventilation modest. Humidity can rise under the newspaper. Provide a small notch in the hive top or angle the cover slightly to create a steady vent path that does not invite robbers.
- Small top entrance: supports brief flights without allowing mass drifting.
- Monitor condensation: check inner covers daily; increase venting if droplets form.
- Balance airflow with security: keep entrances narrow during nectar dearth to deter robbing.
| Action | Purpose | When |
|---|---|---|
| Top entrance with grass | Force reorientation of returning bees | Day 0–3 after stacking |
| Notch or angled cover | Moderate ventilation without large gaps | Continuous while newspaper intact |
| Daily traffic checks | Confirm foragers use correct openings | First 7 days |
Alternatives to Newspaper: When You Must Combine Fast
When time is short, use rapid-merging methods with caution. These approaches calm bees and blend scent cues quickly, but they raise risk versus the newspaper method.
Heavy smoke method
Apply cool, steady smoke to both hive tops until bees quiet. Smoke masks alarm pheromones and delays defensive responses.
Work calmly after smoking. Saturating boxes with short, gentle puffs is safer than prolonged smoking.
Misting with light sugar syrup
Use a fine mist of light sugar syrup over worker-covered frames. This prompts grooming and mutual cleaning, which helps scent unification.
Avoid spraying the queen directly; spray workers on top bars and near bee clusters to prevent chilling or harm.
Direct combining in special cases
Directly uniting units without paper is an option for very small clusters or a long-queenless hive that is receptive.
This approach boosts acceptance speed but elevates the chance of fighting. Plan to reduce entrances, fit screens, and watch closely.
- Protect the selected queen; consider brief caging during the first hours.
- Reduce entrances and consolidate space to lower stress.
- Feed internally after the merge with plain sugar stores or syrup to keep bees occupied.
- Check entrances at 24–48 hours, then again after several days for calm and resumed laying.
Note: The newspaper technique remains the gold standard when time allows for higher acceptance and lower losses.
Timing Your Merge: Season, Weather, and Time of Day
Timing matters: the calendar, weather, and hour of day shape whether a merge will succeed.
Late summer through early fall gives the best chance for a united hive to build population and stores for winter. Plan merges early enough that the new colony can rear brood and organize honey above the nest.
Choose calm, sunny days in late afternoon or evening. Most foragers are home then, which lowers drift and keeps returns oriented to the strong hive site.
Avoid windy, rainy, or cold work days. These conditions stress bees and harm acceptance behaviors. Check the extended forecast so you do not open the hive again before a warm stretch.
- Schedule before temperatures drop so brood clusters stay warm after handling.
- During nectar dearth, cut entrances tight, cover exposed comb, and work fast to limit robbing.
- Keeping the stronger hive in its original location preserves the field force and cut down lost foragers.
If merging earlier in the season and disease-free, a spring or summer union can salvage growth when nectar flow supports rapid expansion.
Finally, coordinate feeding plans and then wait. Allow the newspaper process to finish before intrusive checks; patience reduces losses and improves queen acceptance.
Resource Layout: Brood Below, Honey on Top
Stacking matters. Arrange the hive so the brood box sits below and honey-dominant boxes sit above. This simple vertical setup helps the cluster access food without breaking warmth in cold weather.
Targets for winter readiness: aim for at least 10 medium frames of honey above the brood nest and roughly 30 kg of total stores. That gives a colony a practical cushion for long cold spells.
Balance frames across boxes during consolidation. Spread frames honey evenly so no brood is isolated by empty comb. Place pollen frames adjacent to brood for steady larval feeding after the merge.
“A compact brood area with overhead stores keeps the cluster mobile and well fed.”
- Vertical layout: brood box on the bottom, honey boxes on top.
- Storage target: 10+ medium frames of honey above brood; many beekeepers aim for about 30 kg total.
- Frame handling: remove poor or empty frames to tighten cavity and improve thermoregulation.
- Labeling: mark key frames with tape so later checks confirm bees are capping where intended.
| Item | Reason | Recommended amount |
|---|---|---|
| Frames honey above brood | Easy access for cluster in winter | 10+ medium frames |
| Total stores | Ensure energy reserve for brood and survival | ~30 kg |
| Pollen frames near brood | Support larval feeding and nurse bees | 1–2 frames |
After the newspaper has been cleared, re-check the stack and adjust as needed. Singling or doubling boxes should reflect the combined population’s ability to cover brood and guard the entrance. For seasonal care tips, see seasonal beekeeping tasks.
Post-Combination Care and Inspection
After stacking and sealing, give the united hive a quiet interval before any intrusive checks. Minimal disturbance lets odors blend and reduces fighting during the crucial early days of the combination.
Wait 3–7 days; minimize disturbance
Do not open the hive sooner than three days unless there is a clear emergency. Watch the landing board for bits of chewed newspaper as the main external cue that progress is underway.
Supplemental feeding with sugar syrup
Use an internal feeder with light sugar syrup during the first week. Internal feeding supports the larger population and focuses bees on resources rather than conflict, while lowering robbing risk.
Monitoring queen acceptance and brood laying
After the initial wait, open briefly and look for one accepted queen and fresh eggs. Check for a tightening brood pattern and calm entrance behavior before any box reconfiguration.
- Keep inspections short and targeted: queen, brood, and stores.
- Maintain reduced entrances during nectar dearth and early stabilization.
- Document feed intake and brood expansion for the next review.
| Check | When | Action if problem |
|---|---|---|
| Chewed newspaper at entrance | Day 3–7 | Wait 24–48 hours then inspect briefly |
| Queen presence and eggs | Day 5–7 | Confirm laying pattern; mark queen if found |
| Entrance calmness | Daily first week | Reduce entrance or add feeders if fighting occurs |
“Patience and focused checks in the first week set the stage for a stable colony.”
Troubleshooting Common Problems After Combining Hives
After a merge, a few predictable problems can surface that need quick, calm action. Early intervention protects brood and stores and speeds acceptance.
Fighting at the entrance and de-escalation steps
If fighting appears, tighten entrance reducers and add a tuft of grass at the opening to force reorientation. Give a few soft puffs of smoke and mist adult bees with light syrup to distract them.
If aggression persists, consider temporary queen caging for calmer acceptance.
Foragers returning to the old site: drift management tricks
Place a small marker at the old location. Collect stragglers there and shake them in front of the combined hive at dusk so they re-learn the new position.
If you can’t find the queen or suspect laying workers
Look for eggs and tiny larvae; absence can signal a queenless hive. Multiple eggs per cell or drone brood in worker cells suggest laying workers—do not expose a mated queen to that situation without corrective steps.
| Problem | Immediate action | Follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance fighting | Tighten reducer, smoke, syrup mist | Re-check 24–48 hours |
| Drifting foragers | Marker at old site, dusk regroup | Monitor for 7 days |
| Queen not found | Search for eggs; consider caging | Inspect for laying workers |
| Robbing suspected | Close entrances, remove open feed | Maintain vigilance |
Document each step and timing. For additional practical guidance on merges, see successful merge tips.
Winter Readiness: Stores, Space, and Population
Prepare your apiary for cold months by matching hive space to the size of the winter cluster.
Condense frames into as few boxes as the cluster can cover—usually one or two. A snug cavity retains heat and helps the colony move upward through honey without breaking the brood cluster.
Consolidating boxes before cold weather
Remove surplus comb and store it securely. Empty comb invites wax moths and small hive beetles and wastes your winter management time.
Protecting comb and final checks
Ensure tight frame spacing so bees can patrol comb surfaces. Fit entrance reducers and mouse guards. Tilt the hive slightly forward so condensation drains away from the cluster.
- Store goal: honey above brood for upward feeding during winter.
- Perform a final health check and address mite counts per regional best practices.
- Combining earlier in the season often yields better organization of stores and fewer overwinter losses for united colonies.
For ventilation and winter airflow best practices, consult this beehive ventilation guide.
how to combine two weak colonies
A calm, staged union using scent masking and frame consolidation reduces fighting and speeds recovery.
Quick summary: select a single queen and condense both units to the best brood, pollen, and honey frames. Keep the stronger base at its original site so foragers stay oriented.
- Place one sheet of newspaper with small slits over the lower hive.
- Stack the condensed upper box on the paper and secure covers.
- Fit entrance reducers and add a small top vent; wait several days for scent blending and paper chewing.
During the wait, feed lightly with internal syrup and watch the landing board for chewed paper. This signals readiness for a brief inspection.
| Step | Purpose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Select and keep one queen | Prevent lethal fights; ensure continuity | Before stacking |
| Condense best frames | Allow the combined cluster to cover brood | At transfer |
| Reduce entrances and feed | Stabilize environment; deter robbing | Day 0–7 |
After opening, confirm fresh eggs and a tighter brood pattern from the retained queen. Then adjust frame distribution so brood sits low and honey above for efficient wintering. Record the date, queen ID, and frame layout for future checks.
Conclusion
Patience with scent blending and careful checks pay dividends for winter survival.
Assess each unit, choose one healthy queen, condense the best brood and stores, then use a single sheet of newspaper as the gradual barrier. Perform strict health screening and follow biosecurity steps before any movement.
Arrange the stack with brood low and honey above, fit reduced entrances, and provide modest ventilation. Wait for chewed paper at the landing board before opening; that sign signals readiness for a brief inspection.
Use supplemental feeding if stores are light, keep concise records of actions and outcomes, and watch for fighting or drifting. The expected result is one stronger hive better positioned for winter survival and spring productivity. For a detailed guide on method and timing, see the art of combining honeybee colonies.
FAQ
What are the main benefits and risks of merging two small hives?
Merging conserves brood, boosts worker numbers, and improves overwintering chances. Risks include spreading disease, increased fighting, and loss of genetic diversity. Always screen for pests and disease before merging and avoid joining a sick colony with a healthy one.
How do I assess whether a hive is truly weak versus queenless?
Inspect brood pattern, worker numbers, and presence of eggs or a laying queen. A weak hive has few bees and sparse brood but still shows eggs or a laying queen. A queenless hive lacks eggs and young larvae and may have orphaned brood or signs of laying workers.
What signs indicate I should not merge hives because of disease risk?
Do not merge if you find foulbrood symptoms, heavy Varroa loads, chronic dysentery, sacbrood, or large numbers of dead or dying bees. Isolate and treat suspicious hives and consult local extension services for diagnosis before any merge.
Which queen should lead the combined hive and how do I decide?
Choose the younger, vigorous, and genetically desirable queen from the stronger colony. She should show steady egg laying and good temperament. Remove or isolate the other queen carefully before or during the merge process.
Is it ethical and safe to remove the extra queen by pinching?
Pinching is effective but can provoke aggression. A preferred method is to combine using the newspaper or another delayed contact technique and allow bees to eliminate the extra queen naturally or remove her for rehoming if possible.
What tools and supplies are essential for a smooth merge?
Bring a smoker, hive tool, protective gear, a sheet of newspaper, sugar syrup for feeding, entrance reducers, and an extra brood box or hive body. Good lighting and a calm day reduce stress and mistakes.
How should I prepare the weaker hive before stacking it on the stronger one?
Consolidate frames: keep the best brood, pollen, and frames honey. Reduce to one brood box if practical. Remove failing queens or problematic frames such as moldy comb or heavy disease signs before placing the hive on top.
What steps optimize the stronger colony for accepting new bees and brood?
Provide ample nurse bees by keeping strong brood frames near the center, ensure good stores are available, and reduce disturbances. Make sure the stronger hive has room and healthy brood to integrate the incoming workers.
How does the newspaper method work for merging hives?
Place the strong hive on the bottom and the weaker brood box on top. Lay a single sheet of newspaper over the top bars and cut small slits so workers can scent-mix while chewing through the paper. Close with inner and outer covers and monitor for chewed paper at the entrance over several days.
How do I manage entrances and ventilation while the colonies merge?
Use entrance reducers to limit traffic and alternative robber bees. Provide adequate top ventilation to prevent moisture buildup while the paper remains. Creating a small top entrance or placing grass at the old bottom entrance can help reorient foragers.
When is it necessary to skip the newspaper method and merge quickly?
Use faster methods only in emergencies: if a hive is tiny and queenless late in the season or if one colony faces imminent loss. Options include heavy smoke to mask scents or spraying light sugar syrup to blur pheromone cues, but these increase risk of fighting.
What is the best season and time of day for a merge?
Late summer to early fall is ideal when stores are available and population can build for winter. Perform merges on calm, sunny afternoons or late in the day when forager traffic is low and bees are less defensive.
How should I arrange brood and honey when stacking boxes during a merge?
Place brood boxes below and frames of capped honey above. Aim for at least ten medium frames of stores above the brood nest if possible. Balance frames so nurse bees remain near developing brood and foragers can access honey stores.
What post-combination care is required and when should I inspect the combined hive?
Wait 3–7 days before opening to allow scent blending and reduce fighting. Feed supplemental sugar syrup if stores are low. Inspect for queen acceptance, resumed brood laying, and signs of disease or aggression after the initial waiting period.
How do I handle fighting at the entrance after merging?
Reduce entrance size, add extra ventilation, and avoid opening the hive for several days. If fighting persists, separate and re-evaluate for disease or reintroduce a different method such as using more gradual uniting steps.
What if many foragers keep returning to the old hive site after the merge?
Reorient foragers by creating a top entrance, placing bundles of grass or foliage at the old entrance, or moving the hive slightly and then returning it. Over several days orientation will reset and returning foragers will find the combined colony.
How do I proceed if I can’t locate the queen or suspect laying workers after merging?
Wait and watch for new brood patterns; laying workers produce only drone brood. If no queen is found and worker-laid brood dominates, split out or re-queen the hive promptly with a young mated queen to restore normal brood production.
What steps ensure the combined hive is ready for winter?
Consolidate boxes to minimize empty space, protect comb from wax moths and small hive beetles, and confirm ample stores. Reduce boxes as population declines and provide insulation or wind protection if your climate demands it.
Are there alternatives if both colonies are small and I don’t want to risk fighting?
Options include making a nuc with the best frames from both hives, requeening one hive and feeding both until stronger, or using a master beekeeper or local club for temporary hosting. These choices can preserve genetics and reduce conflict risk.
