How to Install Your Honey Bees: Step-by-Step Guide for New Beekeepers

How to Install Your Honey Bees: Step-by-Step Guide for New Beekeepers

Getting your bees installed correctly is one of the most important steps in starting a healthy hive. Whether you received your package in the mail or picked it up from a retailer, following careful steps ensures less stress for your bees and a stronger colony going into spring.

Below is a clear, practical guide based on Harvest Lane Honey’s installation videos and established beekeeping practices from Backyard Beekeeping, Second Edition.

Preparing for Installation

Before your bees arrive, make sure your hive is ready:

  • Set up your hive in a flat, sunny location with good airflow and afternoon shade.
  • Install clean frames with fresh foundation to give bees straight comb to build on.
  • Have your protective gear on and tools at hand (smoker, hive tool, gloves).
  • Light your smoker and keep it smoldering so it’s ready.
  • Have a marshmallow or candy fondant on hand for the queen cage. 
  • Watch the videos before. 

This preparation reduces queen loss and helps bees settle into their new home peacefully.

Installing Bees

If your bees arrived by mail, follow these steps:

  1. Open the package carefully. Gently remove the cork or plug that seals the candy exit.
  2. Find the queen cage. The queen will be in a small cage she will not come with a candy plug you will need to use a marshmallow or some sort of candy to replace the cork. Leave her caged while you install the workers. 
  3. Shake the workers into the hive. Turn the package over between the top bars so the majority of bees fall into the bottom box.
  4. Place the queen cage in the hive. Use a frame or shim to wedge her cage between brood frames or near the center. Do not release her yet.
  5. Close the hive. Leave the hive quiet and let bees settle. They’ll start releasing the queen over the next 24–48 hours.

This method minimizes the time bees are exposed and helps ensure the colony accepts the queen.

Shipped Bees Install Video

Picked Up Bees Install Video

Key Tips for Successful Installation

  • Never release the queen immediately. Let workers chew through the candy plug in their own time so they can accept her.
  • Use smoke gently. A few puffs at the entrance before opening reduces defensive behavior without overwhelming the bees.
  • Avoid wind and direct heat. Install early in the day when temperatures are mild and bees are active.
  • Leave feeders full. Especially on dry or late-season installs, nutrition helps the colony establish quickly.

These practices are rooted in basic bee biology and hive management, helping the bees settle in with minimal stress.

Installing Bees FAQ

When should I install my bees?
Install at dusk after receiving your bees. If its raining or snowing during that time you can install earlier or wait until the next day.  If you have to wait to install make sure the bees are in a cool (not cold) area and keep out of hot areas or direct sunlight.  If the bees are loud and scrambling around the screen they are to hot.  You can lightly mist them with a spray bottle of water to help cool them.  Bees are more likely to die of overheating vs being to cold.  

Do I release the queen right away?
No. The queen should remain in her cage so worker bees can become familiar with her scent. The workers will release her naturally by chewing through the candy plug, usually within 24–48 hours. Do not check her until 7 days.

What if my bees don’t go into the hive right away?
This is normal. Some bees will fly around or cluster near the entrance before settling. Most bees will move into the hive on their own within a few hours. Remove the cage from the area, since they have a tendency to think that is their home. 

Should I feed my bees after installation?
Yes. New colonies should be fed immediately after installation. Feeding helps bees draw comb, support the queen, and establish the colony, especially when natural nectar is limited. Have the feeders set up and filled with feed before installation.  Colony starvation is the #1 killer of newly installed bees.  

When should I check on the hive after installation?
Wait 7 days before opening the hive. At that point, check for queen release you may see some comb building occurring.  Don't panic if you can't see eggs it is still very early. 

What if the queen is still in the cage after a week?
If the queen is alive but not released after 7 days, you may need to manually release her. Do this carefully simply poke a hole through the marshmallow/candy and put her back where she was at. If you left the cork in replace it with a candy and install as normal.  

Why is my hive more active or aggressive after installation?
New bees are adjusting to their environment. Increased activity is normal during the first few days. Aggression often decreases once the colony settles and the queen begins laying.

 

Product Tie-Ins for Your Installation Day

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