Bee Installation Instructions & Claims

Bees can be transported inside a vehicle or the back of truck, out of direct sunlight and wind. We do not recommend placing package bees in the closed trunk of a car. Packages should not be placed in a closed container, box, covered with blankets or other materials. Remember, bees are living creatures and need good airflow to breathe. It is also best to keep them cool during transport to reduce stress. If you have further questions, our knowledgeable staff will be on site to help you during Bee Days.

Install your package bees as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of receiving them, unless temperatures are under 40° F.

Leave your bees in the package and place the package of bees in a dark, cool area (garage, basement, etc.) The ideal temperature is between 50-70 °F. Once inside, try not to break the cluster of bees. Apply a light mist of sugar water to screens/ sides of the package twice a day. Install bees as soon as possible.

Yes! Bees need both carbohydrates and protein to establish a successful colony. We recommend feeding your bees heavily for at least the first three weeks until the colony is well established. Offer your bees Pro- Sweet liquid feed or a 1:1 sugar mix, and a high-quality pollen substitute, such as Ultra Bee or Bee Pro. Note: consumption may vary depending on natural pollen and nectar availability. If preparing your own sugar water mix, we recommend adding a stimulant such as Pro- Health that will also help prevent fermentation.

We recommend using an in hive ProFeeder, placed within a few inches of the cluster of bees, to ensure the bees have access to the feed, even when temperatures are cool. This is especially important when starting a new colony on frames that do not have drawn comb.

Our suppliers treat the bees and they come with a health certificate. After, your colony is established, we recommend establishing a monitoring program for varroa mites and treating when necessary.

Do not add the second deep or super until the bees have drawn out 7 – 10 frames.

Please take pictures of all the frames and file a claim within 24 hours of receipt.

Yes! Bees need both carbohydrates and protein to establish a successful colony. We recommend feeding your bees heavily for at least the first three weeks until the colony is well established. Offer your bees Pro- Sweet liquid feed or a 1:1 sugar mix, and a high-quality pollen substitute, such as Ultra Bee or Bee Pro. Note: consumption may vary depending on natural pollen and nectar availability. If preparing your own sugar water mix, we recommend adding a stimulant such as Pro- Health that will also help prevent fermentation.

If the weather is unfavorable, place the nuc next to the hive where they will later be installed and open the entrance. Install the nuc in permanent hives when weather conditions improve.

Queens should be transported out of direct sunlight and kept at room temperature.

File a claim within 24 hours of receipt of the bees. We will send one replacement queen at no charge. Take a photo of the queen in the original queen cage. Install the dead queen into the hive with both corks in place. When replacement queen arrives remove dead queen and replace with new one. Leaving the dead queen in the colony helps prevent the bees from absconding.

Inspect the queen upon arrival. Place a small drop of water on the screen of the cage (twice a day if not immediately installed). If queen is not installed the first day, keep her out of direct sunlight at room temperature and water daily. The queen cage is not permanent living space.