Receiving a shipment of bees is an exciting and pivotal moment for any beekeeper, marking the beginning of a journey into the world of beekeeping. Properly handling and installing the bees into their new hive is a critical process that requires care, precision, and an understanding of the bees’ behavior. In this guide, we’ll outline a step-by-step approach to help you navigate the process successfully.

**1. Be Prepared with Necessary Equipment:

Before the arrival of your order bees in Texas , ensure that you have all the necessary equipment ready. This includes your protective beekeeping suit, gloves, smoker, hive tool, and any additional tools required for the specific type of hive you are using. Having everything prepared in advance minimizes stress on both you and the bees during the installation process.

**2. Select an Appropriate Time and Weather Conditions:

Choose a time for installing the bees when the weather conditions are favorable. Bees are more docile during mild weather, making it easier to handle them. Additionally, select a time when the majority of the bees are inside the package, reducing the risk of bees flying away during installation.

**3. Wear Protective Gear:

Prioritize safety by wearing your beekeeping suit, gloves, and any other protective gear. Bees can become defensive during the installation process, and wearing the appropriate gear minimizes the risk of stings.

**4. Spray Bees with Sugar Syrup:

Before opening the bee package, lightly spray the bees with a sugar syrup solution. This helps keep the bees calm and focused on cleaning themselves rather than becoming agitated. The sugar syrup also encourages the bees to bond with their new queen and hive.

**5. Open the Bee Package with Care:

Gently open the bee package, taking care not to jar or disturb the bees excessively. Remove any covering or screening, exposing the bees without causing unnecessary stress. Be cautious and deliberate in your movements to maintain a calm environment.

**6. Retrieve the Queen Cage:

Locate the queen cage within the package. The queen is typically housed in a separate cage to protect her during transportation. Carefully remove the queen cage, ensuring she is alive and well. Be mindful of not releasing the queen prematurely.

**7. Install the Bees into the Hive:

• Pouring Bees into the Hive: Hold the bee package over the open hive and gently tap or shake it to encourage the bees to fall into the hive. Avoid abrupt movements that could agitate the bees.
• Placement of Queen Cage: After the majority of the bees have entered the hive, carefully place the queen cage inside. Ensure that the queen cage is securely positioned within the hive, allowing the worker bees to become accustomed to the queen’s pheromones.

**8. Close the Hive:

Once the bees are inside the hive, carefully close it. Bees orient themselves to their new environment, and closing the hive promptly helps them settle in. Use your smoker to emit a small amount of smoke at the entrance to encourage the bees to move inside.

**9. Provide Sugar Syrup and Food:

Place a feeder with sugar syrup inside the hive to provide the bees with immediate access to nourishment. This helps the bees acclimate to their new surroundings and encourages foraging.

**10. Monitor and Allow Bees to Settle:

Regularly monitor the hive in the days following installation. Allow the bees time to acclimate and build their comb. Avoid unnecessary disturbances during this settling-in period.

Conclusion: Nurturing a New Bee Colony

Handling and installing bees require a delicate touch, patience, and a deep understanding of bee behavior. By following these steps with care and attention to detail, you contribute to the successful integration of the bees into their new hive. Nurturing a new bee colony is a rewarding experience, and your thoughtful approach during the installation process sets the foundation for a thriving and productive hive.