Package Bee Introduction

Package Bee Introduction Guide

When you purchase bees in packages from us, you’ll receive a box containing 1.5kg of bees (at filling time) along with a queen in a standard shipping cage. The package is a mesh container equipped with a feed can or tub to keep the bees alive and in good condition before introduction. It also includes a pheromone tab inside to prevent the bees from realising they are queenless.

You’ll need to provide the hive and combs.

We recommend the following setup for optimal results:

Two brood boxes, one full of frames fitted with foundation, one empty.
Floor
Roof
Crown Board
Hive Top Feeder
c10 litres of clean fresh syrup
Foam rubber entrance block

Note – Drawn comb may be used, but we prefer foundation.

We recommend installing your bees at dusk or as close to it as possible for the best results. During the day, avoid leaving the packages in direct sunlight, and generously spray them with clean, fresh water while awaiting hiving. It’s also important to spray them with water upon arrival, as they may be quite thirsty.

While there are other methods that experienced beekeepers might use, we advise following this approach unless you are very confident in your own method.

Method

Place the floor on the spot where you want the hive to be established.
Position the empty brood box on the floor and completely seal the entrance with foam rubber.
Place the package of bees inside the brood box, upright, and remove the feed container and pheromone tab. Do not shake the bees to avoid disturbing them. You may wet or soak the package beforehand to calm the bees.
Place the full box of frames and foundation/comb above it.
Remove the candy compartment tabs from the queen cage and hang it between the top bars of the upper box.
Place the full feeder on top and add 10 litres of syrup. The syrup should be a minimum concentration of 1:1 but can be as thick as 2:1 or bought as invert syrup.
Put on the crown board and roof.
Either in the dark or at first light, slightly open the entrance block, only about 2 bee ways wide, to allow minimal but not rapid bee flight. After a few days, when the bees are flying freely, you can remove the entrance block completely.
Do not open the hive for 5 to 7 days; early investigation can increase failure rates.
After 1 week, conduct a first examination to check if the queen is out and laying.
Then, remove the empty bee package and the extra empty brood box, placing the box where the bees are active on the floor.
After this, work the colony as normal.
After the brood is sealed, you can move some of it to equalize the colonies; it’s normal for bees to drift and cause strength variations.
Report any defects to us immediately.

Note: We only accept liability up to the point of live handover, not for issues arising from poor introduction methods. If you encounter problems, please let us know, and we can advise.

Important Information About Pheromone Tabs

Pheromone tabs are extremely powerful bee attractants and can draw in bees from all around. It’s crucial to collect all tabs properly after use. Place them in a poly bag, then store the bag inside another container where bees cannot access it. Any tabs left out will strongly attract bees and weaken the packages – so they must be taken away.

To maintain the strength of the tabs, you can deep freeze the tub. The frozen tabs can later be used as needed in bait hives or as swarm lures.

Package Bee Introduction