What are the signs of a queenless hive?

A queenless hive exhibits several distinctive signs that indicate the absence of a queen. One primary indicator is the lack of eggs in the brood frames; without a queen, there will be no new brood being laid. Additionally, if the existing brood pattern appears disorganized or spotty, it can signal that the hive is struggling to maintain colony structure and that worker bees may be trying to raise a new queen. Increased aggression among the bees can also occur, as the absence of a queen can lead to stress and confusion within the colony, prompting them to react defensively.

The other signs listed, such as the presence of multiple queens or characteristics like high honey production and low aggression, do not correlate with a queenless state in a hive. Rather, a queenless colony struggles to maintain order and functionality, demonstrating the critical role of a queen in sustaining colony health and behavior.