Honey Bee Package Install
- MGeslock
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Do Package Bees Really Work? A Practical Guide for Getting Them Off to a Strong Start
There are many opinions in beekeeping about using package bees. Some beekeepers avoid them entirely, while others rely on them every season. From my experience, package bees can absolutely thrive and become strong, productive colonies when they are installed and managed correctly.
The key is giving them the right start and understanding how quickly conditions can change—especially here in Virginia.
Below is what has consistently worked well for me.
Package Bees Can Be Very Productive
One of the biggest misconceptions about package bees is that they are somehow weaker or less capable than nucleus colonies. In reality, package bees are simply starting from scratch.
With good management, they can build:
strong brood nests
healthy populations
and productive honey colonies
The biggest advantage you can give a new package is drawn comb and stored resources.
If you have:
empty drawn comb
or a few older frames with capped honey
use them.
Placing your package bees onto drawn comb gives them an immediate head start. Instead of spending their first critical days building wax, they can focus on:
caring for the queen
raising brood
and organizing the colony
A frame or two of honey can also be a huge boost during their first few days while they are settling in.
Feeding Package Bees in Unpredictable Spring Weather
Spring weather in Virginia can be extremely unpredictable. It is not uncommon to see:
80°F daytime temperatures
followed by nights dropping into the mid-20s
Because of that, feeding package bees requires some caution.
I recommend being very careful about filling syrup feeders completely when a cold snap is in the forecast.
If temperatures drop too low:
syrup can freeze
bees may not be able to access it
and in worst-case scenarios, colonies can starve even with a feeder installed
What I personally do is simple:
I only add what is left from the can or container I am mixing, instead of filling the feeder completely.
Then, I monitor the forecast and refill based on upcoming weather.
This approach helps reduce waste and avoids creating a frozen food source during cold nights.
Why I Add a Small Pollen Patty
In addition to sugar syrup, I also recommend offering a pollen patty to new package bees.
However, more is not better.
I only place a small piece—approximately a 2 inch by 2 inch square—inside the hive.
This small amount helps:
stimulate early brood rearing
support the queen as she begins laying
and bridge the gap until natural pollen becomes available
This is especially helpful early in the season when foragers may still be struggling to find consistent pollen sources.
Watch for Small Hive Beetles
Pollen patties are extremely attractive to small hive beetles.
If you place a pollen patty in a new package colony, it is very important to:
check the hive regularly
inspect the patty closely
and watch for beetle activity
Hive beetles love to hide and reproduce in pollen patties. If you begin to see beetles, remove them immediately.
If the patty becomes slimy or heavily infested, remove it entirely.
A small amount of pollen is helpful. A neglected pollen patty can quickly become a problem.
Use What Works for You When Installing Package Bees
There are many different ways to install package bees. Some beekeepers shake bees directly onto frames, others cage the queen differently, and some use alternative release methods.
This post is not meant to say there is only one correct way.
It simply reflects what has worked well for me over time:
placing packages on drawn comb whenever possible
offering limited syrup based on weather conditions
and providing a small pollen patty with close monitoring
Beekeeping is highly local and highly seasonal. What works in one region or operation may not work the same way in another.
Final Thoughts
Package bees can absolutely succeed and become strong, productive colonies when they are managed carefully in their first few weeks.
By:
giving them access to drawn comb and stored honey
feeding conservatively during cold and unstable weather
providing a small boost of pollen
and staying alert for hive beetles
you can significantly improve their chances of getting off to a healthy start.
Of course, there are many ways to install and manage package bees. This is simply what works best for me and my operation.
