Attracting bees to a hive involves understanding their natural behaviors and preferences. Bees are drawn to the scent of old beeswax, propolis, and pheromones, making used hives or bait hives highly effective. Additionally, setting up swarm traps in strategic locations can help capture swarms. Once bees are attracted or obtained, proper hive setup and feeding are crucial for their successful establishment. This includes releasing bees into the hive, providing sugar water, and ensuring the hive environment is conducive to comb building and colony growth.

Key Points Explained:

1. Using Old Hives or Bait Hives:

   • Bees are naturally attracted to the scent of old beeswax, propolis, and pheromones. Setting up an empty, used hive can be one of the most effective ways to attract them. Alternatively, bait hives or swarm traps can be hung in trees to capture swarms.

2. Obtaining Bees:

   • To start a hive, you can purchase a nucleus colony (nuc) or a package of bees from a reputable supplier. Packages typically include around 10,000 bees and a mated queen. It’s advisable to order these in winter and pick them up in late March to minimize shipping stress and ensure the bees are acclimated to the local environment.

3. Releasing Bees into the Hive:

   • When releasing bees into a top bar hive, first place the bees inside, replace the removed top bars, and cover the hive. Continuous feeding with a 1:1 sugar water solution is essential for newly installed bees to help them draw comb.

4. Moving Bees from a Nuc to a Full-Sized Hive:

   • To transfer bees from a nuc to a full-sized hive, follow these steps:
     1. Set the new hive beside the nuc.
     2. Wear protective gear and gently smoke the nuc entrance.
     3. Remove the outer and inner cover of the standard hive.
     4. Keep 2 empty frames aside to create space.
     5. Carefully move the nuc frames to the new hive, maintaining their original order.
     6. Place the remaining frames in the new box and gently press them together.
     7. Dump any remaining bees from the nuc box on top of the bars in the new hive and close it up. Leave the nuc box near the full-size hive for a few hours.

5. Encouraging Nurse Bees:

   • Placing one frame of brood in the excluded super can draw nurse bees up into the newly added hive box, which encourages adjacent nectar storage.

6. Handling Package Bees:

   • When releasing package bees into a hive:
     1. Assemble the hive and remove the cover. Pull out and set aside three or four frames from the middle to create space.
     2. Remove the wooden lid from the package, exposing the tin can feeder. Carefully remove the strap holding the queen cage.
     3. Place the package on its side over the space in the new hive and gently slide out the tin can.
     4. Pull the queen cage out of the package and set it on top of the frame.
     5. Turn the package upside down and gently shake it to help the bees fall into the hive. Strike the side of the package if needed.
     6. Place the open package near the front of the hive to encourage any remaining bees to enter.

By following these methods, you can effectively attract bees to a hive and ensure their successful establishment and growth.

Summary Table:

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