As a new beekeeper, you’ve likely done your research into the different methods for starting your new hive. Between packages and nucs, you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided that package honey bees are the best for you. Or maybe you aren’t even a new beekeeper but an old hobbyist interested in adding another hive to your apiary. No matter what brings you to consider package honey bees, you want to make sure the money you’ve spent doesn’t fly away as a swarm.
As a company of beekeepers who have been helping beekeepers across the United States, Guardian Bee Apparel has dealt with our fair share of package honey bee installations. For newcomers and experienced beekeepers, we’re happy to help explain the complexities of honey bee package installation and the tips we’ve found most helpful to ensure the best chance of success during your honey installations.
What is a Package?
For those unfamiliar, package bees are a method of strengthening a hive or establishing a new hive during the early months of spring. In the simplest terms, it’s what it sounds like: a package of bees. Usually sold by the pound (with the standard minimum sitting at around 3 lbs), package bees are a crate filled with worker bees and a single mated queen that’s usually kept in a separate protected box until it’s time to install the package. These do not come with any form of frame or comb, and so must be set up in one to thrive properly.
Package bees are a great, cost-effective starter option for beekeepers. As it allows you to start with new frames entirely, you’re much less likely to encounter parasites and mites. Alongside the bonus that their nature will enable you to use any style of hive, many new beekeepers find them a great option when they’re just beginning. However, as they don’t come with combs or frames, you’ll need to help your bees adjust to their new home as they establish their colony.
Step-by-Step Guide
As the process of installing a new package can feel overwhelming, Guardian Bee Apparel is happy to offer a handy step-by-step guide and tips we’ve learned to make it easier.
Step 1
During the installation of your honey bee package, you’ll interact with your new bees extensively. To get yourself off on a good foot, make sure you prepare yourself long before they arrive with the necessary apparel, such as a protective (and ventilated) beekeeping suit and sturdy beekeeping gloves, as well as essential tools such as a J-Hook hive tool and your chosen bee feed, which will be helpful during the installation process. We also recommend doing research into the different common styles of hives and picking one that suits you best. As you’re using package bees, you’re free to choose between a Langstroth, Top Bar, and Warre hive; all styles will be compatible with your package.
You’ll want to have all your supplies ready before the package arrives, as it’s crucial for the success of your new hive that you’re able to move them as quickly as possible to ensure the best chances of your new colony’s success.
Step 2
Prepare your hive. Depending on the style of hive you’re using, you’re going to want to make a space large enough within the hive to make room for your package by removing frames. Store these somewhere nearby for easy access. While you’re preparing your hive, make sure to store your package bees somewhere dark and cool without disturbances. This will give them the best chance to acclimate during the transfer process.
During this stage, you may attempt to lightly mist your bees with a simple sugar water solution if the weather is warm enough (above 40℉).
Step 3
Examine your package bees. It’s expected that some bees will have died in transit. However, if you notice a large swathe of dead bees lining the floor of your package, that may be a sign you need to contact your provider to enquire about compensation (if it’s within their policy). They may even offer to send a replacement if the total number is large enough.
Step 4
Once you ensure your package bees are in good condition, it’s time to use your J-Hook to pry off the thin wooden cover over the feeder and queen cage. Do not dispose of this piece; it can be used to prevent bees from escaping once you remove the feeder and queen cage. During this stage, you’ll want to check that your queen is alive. If she’s dead, contact your provider immediately. If she’s well, make sure to store her somewhere in the shade while you prepare the rest of your hive for her. Once you’ve removed her and the temporary feeder, be sure to cover the hole on the top of the package to avoid any bees escaping.
Step 5
To prepare your queen, you’ll want to carefully remove the plastic cap on her cage that covers a sugar barrier. This barrier will be slowly consumed by the hive once they’re inside, allowing the queen and the hive to acclimate to each other without issue. Releasing her immediately into the hive risks the chance that your bees will view her as an intruder and attack her. Once you’ve removed the plastic cap (and made sure not to remove the side without candy), attach the queen candy side up between two center frames. Secure her firmly to avoid her falling to the bottom of the hive. You may wish to label the frames to make it easier for you in the future.
Step 6
Once the queen is attached to the combs, thump the package of bees against the ground. Don’t be too rough, but be firm to ensure that the bees within are knocked down to the bottom of the package. This will make it easier to invert the bees.
Once you’re sure that most of the bees are at the bottom, quickly invert the package over your hive and remove the blockage. Dump as many bees as you can within the hive where your queen is. Don’t worry if bees fly around you; at this time, they’re confused and will eventually settle down. Your main goal is to get as many out of the package as possible.
Step 7
Once you’re confident you’ve gotten as many as you can, you have two options depending on the style of hive you have. Some beekeepers choose to keep the package near the hive to allow any remaining bees to make their way over. Others opt to keep the package in the hive during the first day to make it easier for straggling bees. Whichever one you choose, make sure to fill up your hive with as many frames as is needed to keep it full. Be careful not to squish any bees as you do so.
Step 8
Once your bees are within the new hive, it’s essential to make sure they’re fed well before honey production begins. Spray your bees with sugar water during this time and install whatever feeder option you’ve decided fits your hive best. You’ll want to feed them well during this time until honey production has been established.
Step 9
Wait and monitor. Once your bees are within their hive, your job now is to monitor them carefully. Check frequently to see how your bees are adjusting. After 3–5 days, your queen should have been freed from her cage. The first two weeks of a hive’s life are some of its most precarious. You’ll want to monitor your hive to make sure they’ve accepted the queen and that, upon being accepted, she’s beginning to lay eggs. If you notice the hive has not received the queen, you’ll want to find a replacement queen as quickly as possible to avoid a swarm. You’ll also want to monitor an accepted queen to make sure she’s not accidentally laying too many drones. A drone-only hive will eventually die out, and so a queen who is only able to lay drones must be immediately replaced.
Ensuring Your Hive Succeeds
Now that your hive is established, it’s time to begin your beekeeping adventures in earnest. You’ll be getting close and personal with your hive, so make sure you’re ready with all the essential beekeeping equipment needed to keep yourself safe. Guardian Bee Apparel is happy to assist you in ensuring your visits to your hive are as straightforward as can be. Our ventilated beekeeping suits are perfect for making visits easy and comfortable; you’ll be able to ensure your hives are thriving all season long. If you’re interested in seeing why our customers trust Guardian Bee Apparel for all their beekeeping needs, check out our wide range of options for beekeeping apparel and accessories.