How to Mark Queen Bees in 2025 Using POSCA Markers

In the beekeeping world, marking a queen bee is a crucial practice for hive management. By applying a small coloured dot to a queen’s thorax, beekeepers can easily track her age and behaviour over time. And when it comes to safe, vibrant, and long-lasting colours, POSCA markers are the go-to choice for many hobbyist and professional apiarists alike.

Why Use POSCA Markers for Queen Bees?

• Non-toxic and water-based: Safe for bees and environmentally friendly.
• Highly visible colours: Ensures quick identification even during busy inspections.
• Precision nibs: Apply a neat dot without overwhelming the bee.
• Quick-drying: Minimises stress on the queen and speeds up return to the hive.

You can explore individual POSCA pen colours here: POSCA Individual Pens.

What Colour to Mark Queen Bees in 2025?

Beekeepers follow a standard international five-year queen marking colour cycle to indicate a queen's birth year:

• White Posca Marker: Years ending in 1 or 6
• Yellow Posca Marker: Years ending in 2 or 7
• Red Posca Marker: Years ending in 3 or 8
• Green Posca Marker: Years ending in 4 or 9
• Blue Posca Marker: Years ending in 5 or 0

For 2025, use a blue POSCA marker to mark your queens.

How to Mark a Queen Bee Using a POSCA Pen

1. Find the Queen: Carefully locate her in the hive – this is easiest in smaller or recently inspected colonies.
2. Secure the Queen: Use a queen catcher or cage to gently hold her.
3. Mark the Queen: Use a fine-tipped POSCA pen to place a small dot of paint on her thorax – just behind the head.
4. Let It Dry: Wait a few seconds for the paint to dry before releasing her back into the hive.

Best Practices for Marking Queen Bees

• Always use a small dot – a large blob can irritate or hinder her movement.
• Practise first: Try marking drones before attempting on a queen if you're new to the process.
• Work in calm conditions to reduce stress on the queen and avoid accidental injury.

Common Questions from Beekeepers

Should I mark a virgin queen?

It's best to wait until the queen has been mated and has started laying eggs. Virgin queens are more delicate and active, making marking riskier.

Can I use other markers to mark a queen bee?

Yes, but POSCA markers are preferred due to their safety, ease of use, and vibrant pigmentation. Avoid any solvent-based or toxic markers.

How long does a queen bee live?

Typically 1–3 years in commercial operations, though some may live up to 5 years. Marking helps you monitor age and plan for requeening.

What colour do bees avoid?

Bees tend to be less reactive to cool tones like blue and green – another reason blue POSCA pens are ideal for 2025 marking!

Final Buzz: Let POSCA Help You Manage Your Hive

Marking queen bees is a quick, effective way to stay on top of hive health and queen lifecycle. With their vibrant, safe colours and precision tips, POSCA markers make the job easier, cleaner, and better for your bees.

Explore our full range of POSCA Individual Paint Pens now and make hive inspections a breeze!