Mandibular gland extirpation in the living bee is suggested as a means of elucidating the functions of these glands, whose secretions both from queens and workers are known to exert notable influences on the physiology and behavior of the honey bee colony. Using a technique described here, the glands were removed successfully from 19 laying queens, and 15 of these were accepted when introduced into colonies. Thus it is possible to study “queenright” colonies denied only the mandibular gland secretion of the queen. Extirpation of these glands from 11 living workers demonstrated worker survival following the operation.