If immediate installation is impossible, priority one is stabilizing the colony in a state of low-energy dormancy. Place the package in a dark, cool room with a temperature ideally around 50°F. You must also mist the screen cage with a sugar-water solution every morning and evening to maintain hydration and nutrition.
The objective of storage is not just to keep the bees alive, but to conserve their energy. By reducing light and heat, you lower their metabolic rate, preventing them from exhausting their internal food stores and the supplied syrup can before they enter the hive.
Controlling the Environment
Temperature Regulation
Your goal is to keep the bees cool enough to cluster loosely but warm enough to prevent chilling. Aim for a temperature around 50°F.
This specific temperature range keeps the bees calm and inactive. If the temperature rises significantly (approaching 70°F), the bees will become active, increasing stress and resource consumption.
Light and Noise
Store the package in complete darkness.
Light stimulates bee activity, which causes them to buzz against the screen and consume the supplied syrup can too quickly. A dark, quiet environment mimics the safety of a hive, keeping stress levels manageable.
Hydration and Nutrition
The Feeding Schedule
You must actively feed the bees while they are in storage. At a minimum, feed them every morning and evening.
While the package contains a syrup can, supplemental feeding ensures the bees remain hydrated and strong for the eventual release.
Application Method
Use a clean spray bottle filled with a 1:1 mixture of sugar and warm water.
Gently spritz the screen sides of the package. Alternatively, you can brush the solution onto the screen. Ensure the bees can access the liquid through the mesh, but do not soak them to the point where they are dripping wet.
Understanding the Trade-offs
The Risk of Overheating vs. Freezing
While 50°F is ideal, overheating is generally more dangerous for a confined package than slightly cooler temperatures.
If temperatures exceed 70°F, the bees may overheat and die from stress. Conversely, if temperatures drop below 40°F, the bees may not be able to break cluster to access food, risking starvation.
Moisture Balance
Feeding is vital, but excessive spraying can be detrimental.
You want to provide enough sugar water that they can clean it off the screen, but not so much that they become sticky or chilled by excess moisture. If the bees are still wet from the morning feeding, skip or lighten the evening application.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When you are finally ready to install, ensure the outdoor conditions have improved enough to support the colony.
- If your delay is due to extreme cold (below 40°F): Keep the bees in the controlled 50°F-70°F environment until outdoor temperatures rise enough for safe transfer.
- If your delay is due to scheduling: Prioritize the "dark and cool" rule strictly to maximize the lifespan of the syrup can provided inside the package.
Success relies on keeping the colony calm, cool, and fed until the moment they enter their new home.
Summary Table:
| Storage Factor | Recommended Condition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 50°F (10°C) | Keeps bees calm and prevents metabolic exhaustion. |
| Lighting | Complete Darkness | Mimics hive safety and reduces stress-induced activity. |
| Feeding | Twice Daily (Morning/Evening) | Ensures hydration and nutrition via 1:1 sugar-water spray. |
| Airflow | Well-ventilated but Draft-free | Prevents overheating and CO2 buildup while avoiding chill. |
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