Installing your Package of Bees into your Hive 101

Installing your Package of Bees into your Hive: 

A Practical Guide for recreational Beekeepers

In Australia, packages of bees are a common way for recreational beekeepers to start or expand their apiaries. A bee package typically contains between1.5 to 2 kg of bees (about 10,000 to 12,000 bees), including a mated queen housed in a separate cage.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about transporting your bee package, the best time to install it, and feeding recommendations to help your bees settle in and thrive.

1. Understanding a Bee Package

A package of bees is usually delivered in a screened wooden or plastic box that allows airflow and prevents overheating. Inside are:

• Worker bees
• A queen in a small cage, usually with a few attendant bees
• A can or feeder containing sugar syrup to sustain the bees during transit
• A Varroa treatment for your package. to ensure the package is free of Varroa, the treatment strip is placed in the brood box and removed after 6 weeks. 
• This setup is designed for short-term containment and should be installed in a hive as soon as conditions are favourable. When transporting your bees, we recommend placing them in the passenger’s foot well with the air conditioner on.

2. When to Install Your Bees

The ideal time to install a package of bees is between mid-October to early summer. This seasonal window gives the colony the best chance of becoming established before the cooler months.

Weather Considerations:

• Choose a mild, dry day for installation.
• Avoid windy or rainy days.
• Mid to late afternoon is often ideal as it encourages the bees to settle into the hive rather than fly off.

If the weather is unfavourable when your bees arrive, you can temporarily keep the package in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area (such as a shed or garage) for up to 2–3 days. Keep them out of direct sunlight and ensure the sugar syrup can is upright and accessible. A spray of fresh water every day will help the bees.

3. Transporting Your Package Safely

Transporting your bees from the supplier to your apiary requires care:

• Keep the package upright to avoid syrup spillage and unnecessary stress on the bees.
• Secure the package in your vehicle to prevent movement.
• Ensure ventilation – don’t cover the package with anything that might block airflow.
• Minimise travel time, and avoid stopping in direct sun.
• Use the air condition to keep the car cool.

4. Preparing the Hive

Before your bees arrive, set up your new hive in a suitable location. :

• Faces north or northeast to catch the morning sun
• Has some shelter from strong winds
• Offers good drainage and is elevated slightly to avoid damp
• Has easy access to fresh water

Make sure your hive components are ready:

• Bottom board
• Deep brood box with frames (wax foundation is recommended)
• Inner cover and lid
• Feeder (more on this below) we recommend the yellow circular top feeder as the easiest to use.
• Extra box if using a top feeder.

5. Installing the Bees

Here’s a step-by-step method for installing your package bees:

Step 1: Suit Up but don’t light your smoker.
Although package bees are generally calm, wearing protective gear is essential. Using a smoker on a package will confuse the bees and may cause drift.

Step 2: Open the Hive
Remove several frames from the centre of the brood box to make room for the bees. Leave the outer frames in place.

Step 3: Open the package carefully and remove the Queen Cage and the can of surup.
Remove the can first and set it aside. Bees will start to fly out – don’t worry about them, they won’t go far. Now remove the queen cage. Check if the queen is alive and healthy. The cage will have a plastic cap on the end. Remove this now. Don’t disturb the candy plug.

• Remove the plastic cover covering the candy plug.
• Hang the queen cage between two central frames using a wire or pin, with the candy end facing slightly upwards.

Step 4: Shake in the Bees
Give the package a gentle shake to dislodge the bees to the bottom, then pour or shake them into the hive cavity you’ve made. Don’t worry about getting every last bee out – any stragglers will find their way out.

Step 5: Reinstall Frames
Gently replace the frames around the bees. Be cautious not to disturb the queen cage.

Step 6: Close the Hive
Install the inner cover, feeder and lid. Fill the feeder with fresh syrup (about 1ltr) Place a empty box on top and then the lid. Place the can from the package a few feet in front of the hive upright. The bees will finish off any remaining syrup. 

Step 7: Leave the Bees to Settle
Avoid opening the hive for the first few days unless necessary. Check after 7 days to see if the queen has been released from her cage. If not, ring the shop for advice. 

6. Feeding Recommendations

Newly installed package bees don’t have food stores or comb, so feeding is essential for survival and wax production.

Sugar Syrup:

• Use a 1:1 ratio of white sugar to water (by weight or volume).
• Mix until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Do not use brown sugar, molasses or artificial sweeteners, as they can be toxic to bees.
• Use a top feeder (preferred method) or frame feeder depending on your preference. Using a front feeder on a package may encourage robbing and is not recomended. 

Feed regular for at least the first 3–4 weeks or until you see steady comb building and pollen/nectar coming in naturally. Stop feeding when the bees have drawn out all the frames in the brood box.

7. Post-Installation Checks

After the first week, inspect your hive to ensure:

• The queen has been released
• Bees are building comb
• Food stores are present

Avoid prolonged inspections during the early stages to reduce stress. Check for pests like small hive beetle, and ensure the hive remains secure and dry.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Installing in poor weather: Wait for suitable conditions or store the bees properly until then.
• Failing to feed: New colonies need food immediately to survive and build.
• Incorrect queen cage positioning: Always place it upright with the candy plug accessible.
• Forgetting to remove the plastic cap
• Disturbing the hive too early or too often: Give bees time to settle before the first inspection. A rule of thumb is visit every second week. 
• Adding treatments for Small hive beetle and Varroa – not sure ask for advice at the shop.

Final Thoughts

Installing a package of bees is a fascinating and rewarding task that marks the beginning of a new colony’s journey. With proper planning, care during transport, and good feeding practices, your bees will quickly adapt to their new environment and begin building a productive hive. Be patient, observe their progress, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from the shop, beekeeping associations or mentors. Happy beekeeping!