Hello Beekeepers!
If you have questions on how to install a bee package, this is the video to watch! It is a 3 part video, so watch until the end! Also, the temperatures on this first shipment might be a bit cooler. Anything below 50 degrees, do not spray your bees with sugar water. Also, IF you are using honey frames make sure they are room temperature. You don’t want to put frozen honey frames in the hive. No more than 2 frames of honey per deep. So it would be 2 frames of honey upon install and put one on each end. You can add 2 more frames when it’s time to add the second deep box. We still like to feed our bees even if we put in honey frames. This tricks the queen into thinking there is a nectar flow and promotes her to start laying. Also, don’t forget the pollen patty!
There is a chance of rain on sunday, if it’s raining, you can wait for the rain to stop before installing. If you wait for it to stop raining, make sure the bees are stored in a warm environment. 50-60 degrees is ideal.
Another option would be to install under an overhang if you have one, in a garage or any inside location. You will plug up the entrances either way when installing, just make sure the plug is secure because you will move the hive outdoors.
After 24 hours of install, you can remove your shim, grass or whatever you used to plug the hole of the entrance reducer. If you don’t do this, there is a chance your bees will abscond.
Thank you,
Jessica & Tom