Installing Packaged Bees
The following instructions are adapted from the website of Olivarez Honey Bees. Because we live in an area with aggressive feral honeybees, we highly recommend using a beekeeping suit or at least a veil during this procedure.
Preparation
Keep packages in a cool, shady, protected area with good ventilation. The bees should be clustered around the queen. If not, lightly spray the bees through the screen using a spray bottle to encourage them to cluster and hydrate themselves.
When to Install
It is best to install your packages during the early evening hours, around sunset. If installation earlier in the day is necessary, select a very shady area to protect the new bees and prevent robbing. Close most of the hive entrances using tape or burlap, leaving approximately two inches open.
Installing the Package
- Remove three center frames from the hive.
- Take out the feeding can from the package along with the queen.
- Lightly spray the package with water to keep the bees calm before shaking them into the hive.
- Shake the bees into the hive. Wait 3–5 minutes to allow the bees to crawl up sufficiently, then carefully replace the three frames.
- Use the smoker, applying small puffs across the bees to calm them.
Introducing the Queen
- Check the queen and remove the cap from the plastic queen cage.
- Place the queen cage horizontally between the two center frames, about one inch from the top, with the screen side facing down so the bees can care for the queen until her release.
Closing the Hive
If bees are crawling over the top edges of the super, use a small amount of smoke and brush them back inside the hive. Replace the lid and feed the bees with sugar syrup, even if there is sufficient honey. This helps them settle and establish themselves before they start flying the next morning.
Follow-Up
Check the colony in 5–7 days to confirm the presence of eggs and larvae, and remove the empty queen cage. Ensure they are well-fed for rapid growth. As the colony size increases, gradually remove any entrance blockage and add boxes as necessary.
Developing Your Own Method
Each beekeeper will develop their own method for installing packages. The following videos offer insights into various techniques:
Randy Oliver, Scientific Beekeeping: Demonstrates installing packaged bees from a plastic container.Be sure to use a veil and other protective gear.
Robert Lorge, Capital Hill Farms: Demonstrates the "no-shake" honeybee package installation method, which is less stressful on the bees. Master Beekeeper John Pledger: Shows how to prepare your hive and install your new bee package, offering two different ways to introduce the queen into the hive.