Installing package bees in cold weather requires planning and preparation to ensure the bees’ survival.
The key is to keep the bees warm during and after installation, using techniques like insulation and heat sources.
Proper handling and feeding also play a crucial role in their successful integration into the hive.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Installing package bees in cold weather can be challenging for beekeepers in northern climates.
When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, honey bees cluster together to stay warm and conserve energy.
This clustering behavior makes installing a new package into the hive more difficult.
Related: Introduction to Beekeeping: A Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Honeybees
However, with careful planning and preparation, beekeepers can successfully introduce new colonies even when conditions are less than ideal.
This guide will cover best practices for installing package bees in cold climates, including tips for preparing the hive, handling the bee package, keeping the colony warm, and caring for the new bees throughout the winter and into spring.
Proper cold weather installation techniques ensure the colony survives until warmer foraging conditions return.
When to install bee packages
The ideal temperature range for installing package bees in cold weather is between 50-85°F.
The timing of installation depends on your location and seasonal weather patterns.
Bees can be installed in warmer climates like California as early as January or February.
In colder northern regions, it’s best to wait until late March or April when temperatures are more consistently in the ideal range both day and night.
Related: Beekeeping 101: How to Start Raising Honey Bees
In early spring, when nights are still cold, it’s better to install bees later in the day when it’s warmest.
This gives them more time to settle in and acclimate before temperatures drop overnight. Conversely, in warmer climates, installing early in the morning avoids the peak heat of midday.
Regardless of location, temperatures should not dip below 50°F at night for the first 3-4 days after installing a package.
If cold nights are still common in your area, it’s best to wait until a warming trend occurs before introducing bees. Their survival depends on maintaining the minimum colony temperature during critical initial stages.
How to prepare the hive for package bees in cold weather
When installing package bees in cold weather, it is crucial to prepare the hive to help the bees regulate temperature and prevent moisture buildup.
One of the most critical elements is insulation. Several options for insulating beehives include hive wraps, styrofoam boxes, and other DIY solutions using materials like wood, straw bales, etc.
The key is creating a layer of insulation around the hive while allowing ventilation.
Ventilation is critical to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mold and mildew.
Related: Build a Wild Bee Hotel DIY: The Ultimate Guide for Bee Enthusiasts
Screened bottom boards or entrance reducers with ventilation holes allow airflow while keeping the brood nest draft-free. Top entrances can also be added.
Entrance reducers help the bees defend the smaller hive entrance. Make sure to use a bottom reducer with a minimal opening to conserve the bees’ energy-regulating temperature.
Insulated feeders can provide food reserves without losing heat from the cluster.
Internal feeders or wraps around external feeders help keep syrup from chilling. Strategically place the feeder to avoid heat loss from the brood nest.
Picking up the bee packages
When picking up your bee package, it’s important to take steps to protect the bees from cold temperatures during transport.
Bees do best between 50-95°F, so exposing them to freezing or near-freezing temperatures can be dangerous.
Related: Beehive Basics: How Many Bees Per Hive for a Healthy Colony?
Ideally, pick up the bees when daytime highs will be above 50°F. If picking up bees in cold weather is unavoidable, take these precautions:
- Keep the bees in a warm, dark place during transport, such as the cab of your vehicle. Never transport in an open truck bed or trailer.
- Cover the package with a dark cloth or bag to keep it dark and insulated.
- Warm the vehicle cabin before loading the bees and keep it warm during transit.
- Avoid jostling or bumping the package during drives.
- Transport the bees directly to their hive without unnecessary stops.
Keeping bees warm and in dark, stable conditions during pickup and transit will help them stay calm and clustered for safe installation into their new hive.
How to prepare the package bees in cold weather
Before installing the bees into their new hive, it’s essential to prepare them by spraying them with a 1:1 sugar water solution. This helps calm the bees and boost their energy after their transport.
The sugar spray should be lightly misted over the package, coating the bees and allowing them to drink up the sugar water.
Be careful not to drown them in too much liquid. Spray just enough so the bees are misted with a fine coating. Allow them 10-15 minutes to drink up the sugar water.
The sugar helps energize the bees after their stressful transit. It also distracts them from immediately flying out of the package once it’s opened, giving the beekeeper time to carefully install them into the hive.
This simple step goes a long way in getting the bees off to a good start in their new home.
How to install package bees in cold weather
It is best to install the bees in the evening when it is cooler, and the bees are less active.
Carefully pour the bees from the package into the hive, being sure to get as many in as possible. Some shaking and tapping may be required.
It is recommended to leave the queen cage during a cold weather install rather than trying to release her immediately.
The workers will be able to feed and care for her through the cage while they acclimate to their new home.
Removing the queen cage too soon in cold temperatures can risk her getting chilled or even killed by workers not yet accepting her pheromones.
It is better to wait at least a few days before checking on the queen cage again when the weather has warmed up.
The key is to get the bees established in their new hive as quickly and gently as possible in the cold conditions.
Let them cluster around the caged queen for warmth and start building comb before attempting to release her. This gives the colony the best chance of survival and acceptance of the new queen.
Closing the hive
After the bees have been installed, it’s important to properly close up the hive to help the bees regulate temperature and protect them from the cold.
First, replace any insulation around the sides of the hive body that may have been removed during installation.
Insulation helps moderate temperature fluctuations and prevents drafts inside the hive.
Wood shavings, straws, fiberglass, and rigid foam boards are common insulation materials for bee hives.
Make sure insulation is pressed tightly around the hive body with no gaps.
Next, put the telescoping hive lid or inner cover back on the top of the hive. The lid helps retain rising warm air and prevent rain or snow from getting inside. Make sure the lid is centered and fits snugly.
Finally, reduce the size of the entrance. A smaller entrance enables bees to better defend against robbers and helps them conserve heat.
Insert an entrance reducer or entrance block into the hive entrance to decrease the size to just a couple inches wide and high. The entrance should allow 1-2 bees to pass at a time.
Related: What Is and How to Set Up a Mini Urban Beehive
Some beekeepers add an upper entrance for ventilation, especially if using a screened bottom board. The upper entrance should also be reduced to just a couple inches.
Properly closing up the hive keeps the bees warm and protected as they establish themselves in their new home.
Monitor that bees can come and go through the reduced entrance. Adjust insulation and ventilation as needed over the first few weeks.
Tips on how to care for the new colony
After installing the bees, monitoring the new colony carefully is crucial, especially in the first week after installation.
Perform regular checks during this period to ensure the queen has been released and accepted by the workers. Listen for humming and buzzing inside the hive, which indicates the bees are active.
Check that the bees have access to enough food stores. Emergency feeding may be necessary if food stores are low.
Provide the bees with a 1:1 sugar water solution or emergency feed designed for bees. Monitor food stores weekly by briefly opening the hive and visually inspecting the frames. Add emergency feed if the stores appear low.
Check the hive entrance for dead bees and signs of pests or disease. Remove any dead bees promptly. Be prepared to take action if pests, predators, or diseases are detected.
Maintaining colony health is especially important for a new, small colony.
Maintaining temperature
Maintaining the correct temperature is critical for bees to survive the winter. The optimal temperature for the winter bee cluster is around 95°F (35°C).
There are several things a beekeeper can do to help regulate the hive’s temperature during cold weather:
- Wrap or coat hives in insulation like tar paper or Styrofoam. This helps retain heat generated by the bees and prevents drafts. Make sure to leave an upper vent for moisture to escape.
- Provide a wind block such as a fence or hedge to protect hives from cold winter winds. Exposure to wind can dramatically lower the temperature.
- Position hives in a sunny location, facing south if possible. This allows the winter sun to warm the hives directly.
Proper hive insulation and protection from wind and weather elements are key to maintaining a hive temperature of around 95°F throughout winter.
Monitoring the hive entrance for bee activity on cold days can help indicate if the colony’s temperature is in a healthy range.
Prevent moisture buildup
Moisture buildup can be detrimental to a bee colony during cold weather installation. The key is allowing ventilation to prevent condensation while also insulating to retain heat. Here are some tips:
Tip 1:
Drill a few small upper vent holes in the hive to allow moist air to escape. These will allow ventilation without major heat loss. Start with 3/4 inch holes.
Tip 2:
Place absorbent insulation materials above the bee cluster, between the inner cover and the outer lid. This will trap moisture before it condenses on the cold outer hive walls. Good materials include burlap, cloth, or wood shavings.
Tip 3:
Avoid completely sealing the hive. Some minimal air exchange is needed to prevent excess humidity buildup inside.
Tip 4:
Monitor hive weight and add emergency ventilation if condensation becomes excessive.
Tip 5:
Wrap hives in tar paper or windbreak on very cold days to limit air exchange and prevent heat loss. Remove on warmer days to encourage ventilation.
Proper moisture control will help keep bees healthy and active during cold weather installation and overwintering.
Allow some ventilation but insulate to retain heat. Absorbent materials above the bee cluster also help trap moisture. Monitor hive weight and condensation closely.
How to properly feed bees in cold weather
Feeding bees in winter is critical for survival as they cluster inside the hive to stay warm and cannot forage for food. There are a few key aspects to winter bee feeding:
Feeder types
The main types of feeders used are hive top feeders, entrance feeders, and frame feeders. Hive top feeders sit above the hive and allow bees easy access.
Related: How to Introduce a New Queen Bee: A Step-by-Step Guide
Entrance feeders attach to the hive entrance. Frame feeders fit inside the hive like a frame, and the bees can feed through holes.
Frequency
Bees need more frequent feeding when brood rearing begins in late winter/early spring. Aim to not let them run out of food for more than 2-3 days.
Emergency feeding
Emergency feeding is needed if food stores run low unexpectedly. Mix a 2:1 sugar:water ratio and fill an entrance or hive top feeder. Place it in the hive on a warm winter day so bees can access it. Monitor closely and refill as needed.
The key is ensuring the bees have sufficient food stores during winter to survive until spring flowers bloom and natural food sources become available again.
How to deal with pests & diseases in cold weather
During cold weather, bees can be susceptible to various pests and diseases.
Preventative measures
Being aware of preventative measures and identifying issues and treatment options is critical: as a beekeeper
- Keep the hive entrance reduced to a minimum during winter to prevent pests from entering.
- Make sure the colony has adequate food stores for the winter. Malnourishment weakens bees’ immune systems.
- Replace a portion of brood comb each year to limit disease transmission.
- Use screened bottom boards to monitor for pests like varroa mites.
Identification
Common winter pests and diseases to watch for include:
- Varroa mite – reddish-brown external parasites visible on bees.
- Nosema is a fungal gut parasite that causes bees to appear lethargic and bloated. Requires microscopy to confirm.
- Foulbroods – bacterial diseases killing developing brood. Dead larvae appear discolored and “melted”.
- Dysentery – a symptom of viral infections causing bees to defecate excessively in the hive.
Regular hive inspections during warm winter days can help identify issues early. Look for bees with deformed wings, a spotted appearance, or lethargic behavior.
Treatment options
Beekeeping involves confronting various ailments and parasites that can detrimentally impact the health of bee colonies.
Effective treatment strategies are crucial for maintaining healthy hives. These include chemical, biological, and management practices.
Varroa mites
Varroa destructor, a significant threat to honeybee colonies, can be managed using various treatments. Apivar strips contain Amitraz, an acaricide effective against mites.
Typically, two strips per brood chamber are used for about 42-56 days during spring or autumn when the brood is present.
Formic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid, can be used as a miticide in an evaporative form.
This treatment is temperature-sensitive and can be harmful to bees if misused.
Oxalic acid, another organic acid, can be applied either as a dribble or vapor. It’s effective when the brood is minimal or absent, as it doesn’t penetrate capped brood cells where mites often reside.
Nosema
This fungal infection, caused by Nosema apis or Nosema ceranae, can weaken or kill bees, especially the newly installed ones.
Fumidil-B, containing the active ingredient Fumagillin, is an antibiotic treatment administered via syrup feed. The typical dosage is about 5 grams per gallon of syrup.
It’s important to note that Fumagillin can mask the symptoms without eradicating the spores.
Foulbroods
American and European Foulbrood, caused by different bacteria, leads to larval death.
Infected hives often require burning to prevent spreading, as the spores can remain viable for years. Regular hive inspections and good apiary hygiene are crucial for early detection and prevention.
Viruses
Direct treatment options for viral infections like Deformed Wing Virus or Acute Bee Paralysis Virus are limited.
Maintaining strong, healthy colonies through proper nutrition, genetic diversity, and managing other stressors like varroa mites can help bees resist viruses.
Following all pesticide label instructions is vital to avoid harming the bees. Isolating sick colonies from healthy ones minimizes disease spread.
Collaboration with local beekeepers and agricultural extensions is recommended for implementing integrated pest management practices suitable for specific climates.
Below is a table summarizing these treatments:
| Ailment | Treatment | Active Ingredient | Application Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varroa Mites | Apivar strips | Amitraz | Insertion in hive | 42-56 days | Use in spring/autumn |
| Formic acid | Formic acid | Evaporative form | Varies | Temperature-sensitive | |
| Oxalic acid treatment | Oxalic acid | Dribble or vapor | Single treatment | Effective in broodless conditions | |
| Nosema | Fumidil-B | Fumagillin | Syrup feed | As needed | Does not eradicate spores |
| Foulbroods | Burning hives | – | Physical destruction | – | Prevents spread of spores |
| Viruses | Colony management | – | – | Continuous | Maintain strong colonies |
This table provides a quick reference for beekeepers to identify and appropriately respond to common hive ailments.
Spring preparation
As spring approaches, beekeepers must help their colonies prepare for the upcoming season. Here are some key steps:
Remove insulation
Gradually remove any insulation placed on the hive during winter to allow ventilation and prevent overheating as temperatures rise. Remove insulation when daytime highs reach 50-55°F consistently.
Take off extra hive components like an insulated wrap a little at a time over 2-3 weeks. This allows the bees to adjust slowly to temperature changes.
Increase ventilation
With insulation removed, open the upper hive entrance fully to allow more airflow. This ventilation lets humid air escape.
Ensure the lower hive entrance is clear of dead bees or debris blocking ventilation.
Add a screened bottom board or prop up one side of the hive slightly to increase overall hive ventilation.
Feeding
Feed bees 1:1 sugar syrup to provide nutrition for brooding and foraging. Pollen supplements or pollen patties ensure adequate protein for spring population growth.
Feeding early stimulates the queen to ramp up brood production for your worker bee population.
Troubleshooting & additional tips for how to install package bees in cold weather
If you encounter issues after installing your package bees in cold weather, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Hive too cold
Check that you have adequate insulation around the hive. Add more insulation like tar paper or foam boards if needed.
Consider wrapping the hive with black paper or tar paper to absorb heat from the sun.
Make sure the hive entrance is not too large, as this allows cold drafts into the hive. Reduce the entrance to just a couple inches during cold weather.
You can add a Pritchard entrance reducer or mouse guard to limit airflow.
Some beekeepers wrap hives in an insulating blanket or tarp on freezing nights. Remove coverings during the day so bees can fly.
Dead bees
Finding some dead bees is normal, but large pile-ups indicate a bigger problem. Dead bees outside the hive suggest the cluster got too cold. Inside the hive points to starvation.
Make sure the bees have access to honey stores within the cluster’s reach. Feed bees frames or dry sugar if stores are low.
Check food placement and insulation and make adjustments to prevent more deaths. Remove dead bees so they don’t block activity.
Lack of activity
Pop the top briefly and look for cluster movement. No movement means the bees may be dead or weakened.
Listen for buzzing, which indicates alive but minimally active bees trying to generate warmth.
If bees are alive but inactive, they may be conserving resources. Add insulation and food to support their survival.
Inactivity and minimal flight in cold weather are normal as bees reduce activity to stay warm. As long as the cluster survives, activity will increase with warmer weather.
Conclusion
Installing package bees in cold weather requires careful preparation and diligent care to ensure the new colony gets off to a strong start.
While challenging, it can be done successfully if you follow the proper steps for insulating the hive, acclimating the bees, regulating the hive temperature, preventing moisture buildup, and providing adequate food.
The above process will help guide you through introducing your bees on a cold day while keeping them warm, dry, and fed.
Taking the time to monitor the colony and make adjustments in the first weeks and months will give your bees the conditions they need to build up healthy brood rearing and wax production.
With proper installation in cold temps and good beekeeping practices, your new package can grow into a robust colony ready for the spring nectar flow.
Getting your bees established despite winter’s lingering chill is very rewarding.
A strong, healthy colony built through the cold weather has a good chance of thriving into summer and beyond.
The extra care taken during installation and tricky transitional seasons gives your new bees an important boost. At the same time, their population is still small and vulnerable.
Your diligent preparation and management during this process lay the foundation for an effective pollinator colony that will provide seasons of satisfaction for any beekeeper.