Installation of package honey bees must be postponed if outdoor temperatures fall below 40°F. Attempting to transfer a colony in these conditions risks chilling the bees before they can establish a cluster, so you should keep them in a temperature-controlled environment until the weather warms sufficiently.
The survival of a package colony depends on thermal regulation. If the ambient temperature is below 40°F, delay installation, store the bees between 50°F and 70°F, and maintain a strict feeding schedule to prevent starvation.
The Critical Temperature Threshold
To ensure a successful colony establishment, you must monitor the weather closely before opening the package.
The 40°F Rule
The primary condition requiring a delay is an outdoor temperature below 40°F.
At this temperature, bees become lethargic and cannot effectively move from the package to the hive frames.
Ideal Installation Windows
If the weather is mild (above 40°F), aim to install the bees in the late afternoon or early evening.
This timing encourages the bees to stay in the hive overnight rather than drifting away, but this preference acts as a secondary factor to the mandatory temperature threshold.
Managing the Storage Environment
If you must delay installation, the package cannot simply be left in a garage or shed without precautions. You must simulate a safe holding pattern.
Temperature Control
Store the package in an environment maintained between 50°F and 70°F.
This range is critical; it is warm enough to prevent chilling but cool enough to keep the bees calm and prevent their metabolism from spiking.
Reducing Environmental Stress
The location must be dark and quiet.
Excessive light or noise will stimulate the bees, causing them to buzz actively in the cage, which consumes their limited energy reserves.
Essential Care During Delay
Bees in a package have no access to food other than the syrup can provided, which may run dry. Active intervention is required to keep them alive during a delay.
Feeding Frequency
You must feed the bees three to four times daily while they are in storage.
Regular feeding prevents dehydration and starvation, ensuring the colony has the energy required to draw comb once installed.
Application Method
Use a spray bottle or brush to apply a 1:1 sugar and water syrup (or high fructose corn syrup mix).
Apply the syrup directly onto the screen sides of the package so the bees can easily access it from the inside.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Storing bees is a delicate balance. Mismanaging the environment can be just as damaging as installing them in freezing weather.
The Overheating Risk
While preventing freezing is the goal, do not overshoot the temperature.
Storing bees above 70°F or in direct sunlight can cause overheating, leading to rapid die-off inside the package.
Neglecting Hive Preparation
Do not wait until the weather breaks to prep the bee yard.
Ensure your hive stand, body, frames, and screened bottom board are assembled and in position so you can act immediately when temperatures rise.
Entrance Reducer Mistakes
Once installed, the colony is vulnerable.
Ensure the entrance reducer is set to the smallest opening for the first week to help the small cluster defend the new hive and regulate internal heat.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
When you receive your package bees, your decision to install or wait depends entirely on environmental data.
- If your primary focus is immediate establishment: Proceed with installation only if the temperature is above 40°F, ideally in the late afternoon.
- If your primary focus is colony survival during a cold snap: Delay installation, store the bees in the dark at 50°F–70°F, and feed them syrup 3–4 times a day.
Prioritize the thermal safety of the bees over the calendar date to ensure a strong start to the season.
Summary Table:
| Condition | Action Required | Optimal Environment / Method |
|---|---|---|
| Temp < 40°F | Delay Installation | Store in dark, quiet area at 50°F–70°F |
| Temp > 40°F | Proceed with Caution | Install in late afternoon/early evening |
| Storage Care | Active Feeding | Apply 1:1 sugar syrup 3-4 times daily to screens |
| Post-Install | Heat Retention | Use entrance reducer on smallest setting |
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