There are so many different ways to install bee packages. This connected to the land article will look at the basics and must-do’s. Over time you will learn which tricks work best for you and your setup. Feel free to do whatever is most comfortable for you when installing bee packages.
How Many Bees Per Package?
Bee packages are done based on weight. This means the total number of bees can vary from 3000-5000 bees per pound. The packages will also specifically say whether or not a queen is included. The boxes are designed with comfort for the bees during shipping.
The Tools You Will Need
You will need the following equipment for landing you bee packets:
- 10 wooden frames
- Hive Stand
- Screened Bottom
- Single Deep Hive
- A foundation with an entrance reduce & feeder installed
- Spray bottle filled with sugar water in a 1:1 ratio
- Hive tool
- Sharp tool to remove the cork from the queen cage
What is inside a package of bees?
The packages are using made in a wood frame, with screen wire sides. The lid holds a can feeder filled with a sugar mixture similar to what you are making in the spray bottle. Inside the package is the queen cage that holds the queen separately from the main population. This allows the worker bees to get accustomed to her scent.
Step One Of Installing A Bee Package
Dust the bees with your 1:1 sugar-water mixture to help calm them down. To make sure you have misted them all give the package a gentle share and re-mist. Not too much though, you want to be careful because it is likely still semi-cold outside.
Step Two: Assembly Removal
From your assembled hive remove the cover and pull out three-four frames from the middle. This will give much-needed space to your new bees.
Step Three: Lid Removal
Remove the lid of your package using a hive tool exposing the feeding tin.
Step Four: Removing The Queen Cage
Remove the queen cage and be sure not to let it fall into the package.
Step Five: Package Placement
Place the package on its side over the middle space where you removed the 3-4 frames in the middle.
Step Six: Gently remove the feeder tin.
Step Seven: Introducing The New Bees
Pull the queen cage out of the package and set it on the top of the frame. Next, turn the package upside down and give a gentle but firm shake. You may need to give it a few tussles. You may have a few bees that want to stay in the package and that is okay. Simply place the package near the hive entrance and let them take their time.
Step Eight: How To Install The Queen
It is best to leave the queen in her cage for a small period of time. Usually, 5-7 days is adequate for the worker bees to become accustomed to her natural scent. There are a couple of ways to tackle this.
The first is done when there is a candy plug. The supplier will indicate if behind the cork there is a candy plug. If this is the case simply remove the cork and allow the worker bees to do the rest. The worker bees will eat away at the candy until it is gone and the queen can be released.
The second option is if there is no candy plug behind the cork. All you do is leave the cork installed for about a week and then go back into the hive and manually remove it. This is of course not the ideal method but will depend on the supplier. If you are confident in your ability to install a mini marshmallow in place of the cork this is also another option. The worker bees will chew through the mini marshmallows and again release the queen.
Step Nine: Placement Of The Queen Cage
Place the queen between two frames in your hive. The pressure of the frames should be used to hold the queen's cage in place.
Step 10: Completion
After about a week you can replace the frames you removed from the hive. Ensure that the spacing is correct between the frames after installation and replace the hive cover.
You are officially done with the entire bee package installation process. Check out our next article on the care for the first week or so of your bee adventure.
