Installing Package Bees

Installing your first package of bees is exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Don't worry—bees are remarkably forgiving. Here's how to give your new colony the best start.

What's in a Package?

A standard 3-lb package contains:

• ~10,000 worker bees
• One mated queen in a cage
• Can of sugar syrup for travel
• Ventilated shipping box

Before Installation Day

Have Ready

• Hive set up in permanent location
• Feeder with 1:1 sugar syrup
• Protective gear
• Hive tool
• Spray bottle with sugar water
• Marshmallow (if using cork release)

Picking Up Your Package

• Schedule pickup for a calm weather day
• Transport in car (not trunk—they need air)
• Keep cool (not hot car) and shaded
• Install same day if possible

Installation Methods

Method 1: Shake & Go (Most Common)

1. Spray package lightly with sugar water (calms bees)
2. Remove feeder can from package
3. Remove queen cage, check that she's alive
4. Remove cork from candy end of queen cage (or replace cork with marshmallow)
5. Hang queen cage between frames (candy end up)
6. Shake bees from package into hive
7. Place remaining bees (in package) at hive entrance
8. Gently replace frames and close hive
9. Install feeder

Method 2: Set & Walk Away

1. Remove 4-5 frames from hive
2. Remove feeder can and queen cage
3. Hang queen cage in hive
4. Set open package in space where frames were
5. Close hive—bees will migrate out overnight
6. Remove package box next day, replace frames

This method is gentler but takes longer for bees to settle.

The Queen Cage

Why She's Caged

Package bees aren't related to the queen. They need 2-4 days to accept her. The cage delays release while they learn her scent.

Release Methods

• Candy plug: Bees eat through candy to release (3-5 days)
• Marshmallow: Replace cork, bees eat through faster (1-2 days)
• Direct release: Remove cork after 3+ days (risky)

After Installation

First 3 Days

• Leave hive alone!
• Keep feeder full
• Watch for orientation flights (good sign)

Day 3-5: Quick Check

• Verify queen is released
• If not, remove candy plug or wait longer
• Don't look for queen—trust the process

Day 7-10: First Real Inspection

• Look for eggs (queen is laying!)
• Check for comb building
• Refill feeder

Troubleshooting

• Dead queen on arrival: Contact supplier immediately for replacement
• Bees clustering outside: Normal for first day; they'll go in
• No eggs after 2 weeks: Queen may have failed—inspect carefully
• Bees absconding: More common with poor weather or stressful conditions

Feeding New Packages

Continuous feeding is critical for new packages:

• 1:1 sugar syrup until they stop taking it
• Usually 4-8 weeks
• Builds comb and brood
• Sets colony up for success