Installing packaged bees is a foundational skill that requires preparation, timing, and a calm demeanor to ensure the colony is established successfully. To begin, ensure your hive body is set up with half of the frames removed to create a space for the bees.
Core Takeaway The successful installation of packaged bees hinges on a three-step process: preparing a void in the hive for the mass of workers, securing the queen cage for a delayed "candy release," and immediately providing a 1:1 sugar syrup to support comb production.
Preparation and Hive Setup
Preparing the Equipment
Before the bees arrive, ensure all equipment is assembled, painted, and positioned in the apiary.
You will need clean protective gear, a hive tool, and prepared feed.
Creating the Void
Open the new hive body and remove half of the frames.
This creates a large empty space within the box, which is necessary for shaking the bees in without crushing them.
Calming the Bees
Prepare a 1:1 sugar-water syrup in a spray bottle.
Spray the bees heavily through the wire screen of the package; this feeds them and coats their wings, making them less likely to fly during the transfer.
Installing the Queen
Retrieving the Queen Cage
Remove the package lid and pull out the large syrup can that has been feeding the bees during transit.
Locate the queen cage, which is usually suspended near the top, and remove it from the package.
Preparing for Delayed Release
Identify the end of the queen cage filled with 'queen candy' and remove the cork or cap covering it.
Do not remove the candy itself; the workers must eat through this plug to release the queen slowly, which allows time for acclimation.
Positioning the Queen
Suspend the queen cage between two of the remaining center frames in the hive.
Ensure the screen of the cage is not pressed flat against the wax or wood, as the workers need access to the mesh to feed and interact with the queen.
Transferring the Workers
Shaking the Package
Take the package of bees and shake it firmly to dislodge the cluster from the sides and top.
Pour and shake the bees directly into the open space you created in the hive body where the frames were removed.
Closing the Hive
Gently replace the frames you removed earlier, being careful not to crush the bees now crawling on the bottom board.
Place the inner and outer covers on the hive immediately to secure the colony.
Post-Installation Feeding
Feed the new colony continuously with sugar syrup until natural nectar flows begin.
This artificial nectar source is critical for stimulating the bees to draw out fresh comb quickly.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
The Danger of Direct Release
Never release the queen immediately upon installation.
The colony needs time to accept her pheromones; an instant release often triggers aggression, leading the workers to kill the queen.
Inadequate Feeding
Failing to provide enough syrup can stall the colony's growth.
New colonies have no stored resources; without heavy feeding, they cannot produce the wax needed to build their home and let the queen lay eggs.
Neglecting Equipment Checks
Do not wait until the bees arrive to check your gear.
Scrambling to assemble frames or find a hive tool while live bees are waiting increases stress and the likelihood of mistakes.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
If your primary focus is rapid establishment:
- Prioritize heavy, continuous feeding of 1:1 syrup to maximize wax production and comb building.
If your primary focus is queen acceptance:
- Ensure the candy plug is exposed but intact, and verify "friendly" behavior (feeding the queen through the mesh) before assuming she is safe.
Success is confirmed when you see the queen released and laying eggs in the newly drawn comb.
Summary Table:
| Step | Action Item | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Create Hive Void | Remove 50% of frames to make space for the bees. |
| Calming | Sugar Spray | Use 1:1 syrup to coat wings and prevent excessive flying. |
| Queen Placement | Delayed Release | Remove cork from candy plug; suspend cage between frames. |
| Transfer | Shaking Bees | Firmly shake workers into the hive void; replace frames gently. |
| Aftercare | Continuous Feeding | Provide syrup until nectar flow to stimulate wax production. |
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