Attracting bees to a new bee box involves a combination of creating familiar scents, using pre-used frames, and ensuring the right conditions for the bees to thrive. Methods include coating the inside of the hive with beeswax or propolis to mimic the scent of an established hive, using frames that have been previously used in other hives, and burning old comb to create smoke that attracts scout bees. Additionally, obtaining bees through purchasing a package of bees or a nucleus colony is a common approach. Proper installation and care, such as providing sugar syrup and ensuring the queen is released, are crucial for the bees to establish themselves in the new hive.

Key Points Explained:

1. Creating Familiar Scents:

   • Beeswax and Propolis: Coating the inside of the hive with beeswax or rubbing propolis can create familiar scents that attract bees. These substances mimic the natural environment of an established hive, making the new hive more appealing to swarms.
   • Old Comb Smoke: Burning old comb to create smoke can attract scout bees. These scouts can then be captured and placed in a swarm trap along with some old combs, further encouraging bees to move into the new hive.

2. Using Pre-Used Frames:

   • Frames with Beeswax and Pollen: Using frames that have been previously used in other hives can attract bees due to the residual scent of beeswax and pollen. This familiar scent helps the bees feel more at home in the new hive.

3. Obtaining Bees:

   • Package of Bees: Purchasing a package of bees, which includes around 10,000 bees and a mated queen, is a common method. Packages should be ordered in winter from a local supplier and picked up in late March to avoid shipping stress and ensure the bees are acclimated to the local environment.
   • Nucleus Colony: Another method is purchasing a nucleus colony (nuc), which is a smaller, established colony with a queen, workers, and brood. This method can provide a quicker start for the new hive.

4. Installing Packaged Bees:

   • Preparation: Keep the packages cool and shaded upon arrival. Set up a bottom board with one hive body and remove half its frames. Prepare sugar syrup (one part sugar:one part water) and spray the bees heavily through the screen to make them sticky and easy to pour.
   • Queen Introduction: Pry off the package lid, remove the transit syrup can, and find the queen in her cage. Remove the cork from the end of the queen cage filled with 'queen candy' and suspend it between two center frames in the hive. Shake the bees into the hive on top of the queen, return the removed frames, and place the inner and outer covers on the new colony.
   • Feeding and Monitoring: Feed the bees sugar syrup continuously until natural nectar flows begin. Check after two days to see if the queen has been released. If not, return the queen cage to the hive until she is released. A week after the queen's release, check for white wax combs under construction with cells containing syrup, eggs, or young larvae. If no eggs are found, replace the queen immediately.

5. Encouraging Nurse Bees:

   • Brood Frame: Placing one frame of brood in the excluded super can draw nurse bees up into the newly added hive box, encouraging adjacent nectar storage and helping the bees establish themselves in the new hive.

6. Resetting Bees' GPS:

   • Nuc Box Relocation: Taking the nuc box with the new bees at least 5 miles away for 5 days and then returning it to the original property can reset the bees' GPS. This ensures they adapt to their new location and reduces the likelihood of them returning to their original hive.

By following these steps and ensuring the right conditions, you can successfully attract bees to a new bee box and establish a thriving colony.

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