It's impossible to know for sure if you killed a queen bee unless you saw it happen. However, there are some signs that might indicate you've accidentally harmed the queen:
- Reduced Egg Laying: If you notice a significant decrease in the number of eggs being laid, this could be a sign that the queen is dead or injured.
- Worker Bee Behavior: Worker bees might become agitated or restless if their queen is missing. They might even start laying eggs themselves, which are unfertilized and will only produce drones.
- No Queen Cells: If you see no queen cells in the hive, it could be a sign that the queen is dead and the colony hasn't started raising a new one.
It's important to note that these signs can also be indicative of other issues within the hive, like disease or lack of resources.
If you suspect you might have killed the queen bee, it's best to consult with a beekeeper or apiculturist for advice on how to proceed.
