Installing a honeybee colony into a beehive, especially for the first time, can be pretty overwhelming. But it doesn’t need to be stressful or scary, PerfectBee is here to help! Now that you’ve prepared ahead of time for the day of a beehive installation, the tips below can help you feel confident as you complete the process itself.
Consider keeping these in mind during the installation process (and just after):
- Install bees in late afternoon or early evening (on a warm-ish day with little wind or rain, if possible) to reduce the number of bees who may fly away from the hive
- During installation, using a spray bottle filled with sugar-water can help to distract and calm bees, in addition to using your lit smoker (sparingly).
- Ensure the queen stays in her cage for 24–48 hours before being released from her cage, then monitor for signs of acceptance by the colony.
- After a week or so, check for signs of egg-laying to be sure your queen has successfully mated with a drone (if she was a virgin prior to installation) and is laying eggs within the brood nest.
- To lessen stress added to the colony from robbing bees or other pests, install an entrance reducer and/or robbing screen.
- After your beehive installation is complete, avoid disturbing the hive in any way (including hive inspections) for at least a week so that you’re not further stressing bees unnecessarily.
For additional tips on installing honeybee colonies, you can find plenty of information from several reliable resources, especially here at PerfectBee! Find our many in-depth beehive installation resources linked in the “Read More” section below!
In addition, you may want to consider the following sources for additional beehive installation tips. One option is to ask for instructions or guidelines when you pick up your bees from a nucleus colony or package bee supplier. In addition to the guidance that they can offer, most beekeeping associations or groups, such as your local bee club or online communities, like PerfectBee’s Colony, are filled with beekeepers who would be glad to offer guidance and support for the day of your beehive installation, and far beyond as you grow your hobby. Many universities and local agricultural agency offices offer resources, classes, and mentorship opportunities, too. Of course, many great beekeeping books also offer tips specific to the installation process, find some great options linked in the PerfectBee Store section below!
Read More
Tips for Installing New Honeybee Colonies
Preparing and Installing Your Beehive
Purchasing and Installing Your Bees
Obtaining and Installing a Package of Bees *
Obtaining and Installing a Nucleus Colony *
Capturing and Installing a Swarm of Bees *
* Colony Member-Only Content
Related Products in the PerfectBee Store
Beehive Kits & Components
