Installing a package of bees

Installing a three pound package in a five frame nuc.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• nuc
• package
• bees
• hive

[ZuniBee]

I only direct release with packages. I figure the bees have been in the package with the queen long enough.... it has worked great for me.

[beefitter]

This guy is a rookie. Look for a better video.

[ZuniBee]

Nice comment from a troll that doesn't even have any videos of his own! Where's your vidoe hero?

[fineshooter]

why you need a veil and gloves? I work my bees no veil or gloves no smoke.check out fatbeeman on utube

[bratygrl1]

If you spray them sufficiently with sugar syrup, then you don't need a smoker. They're busy cleaning themselves and it prevents them from flying away due to their wings being heavy and sticky. Once they clean themselves, they're fine to fly and go about their bee business.

[dawnofwoman]

I was surprised that he doesn't use a smoker or have one nearby. I never go out without a smoker. What do you guys think? This video scares me. But at least he only got stung once.

[debay777]

If thats a 3lb package, that nuke box is already too full. That may have been why they bearded up on the outside of the box. Even if they had room you could have left them alone. Bees hate to be brushed and they will eventually go inside by themselves. Ive made a few similar mistakes as have many new beeks. it can be good way to learn to be a better beek. good luck and dont give up.

[debay777]

hey Zuni, beefitter may have been rude but he has a point. Have you tried the easy way of using the feeder hole to dump the bees out? the bees come in a good temperament but I can see where trying to roll that wire out could rile em up. I always wondered about direct release though. she has already been with them for 3-5 days, they should already have accepted or rejected her. If your method works for you thats OK. Im not roasting you for the side opening, I personally just wouldnt do it.

[fotohogger]

Never have done direct release of queen. Was she accepted & hive doing okay?

[NJBeemaster]

Zuni, I missed this video - very nice. Don't be afraid to give the box one good solid whack to loosen them, they'll tumble in without getting them hurt or riled up.

I was even thinking, since they are typically clustered, using a rasor knife to cut out the full side of the screen might save some work, sometimes those staples will hang you up - I'll be trying that next time. GREAT JOB on all :) I'll save that for the next install, hopefully not to soon!