Q: (I bought a HIVE) How long do I have to wait to pull the entrance stopper/plug out of the entrance reducer?
A: The bees are ready to get out as soon as you have placed the hive in it's new permanent location.
Q: (I bought a HIVE) Do I need to change the size opening on the entrance reducer part of the bottom board?
A: Leaving the entrance reducer in the smallest (3/4") size allows your starter colony to defend the entrance much easier than a larger and wider entrance. Even established large population colonies are subject to robbing activity, so a small entrance is recommended even on large hives. The traffic will build up slightly from time to time, but this does not normally create a problem. In the event the traffic becomes so heavy it is has bees waiting a long time to enter.... First, make sure there is not robbing activity at the entrance, i.e. bees fighting and rolling on the ground and entrance landing board. If there is none, then adding small top entrance is often a simple solution without creating any more risk of robbing.
Q: How big are the hives / what size hive stand do I need... how much space do the hives take in my vehicle?
A: The graphics below should help for making hive stands and/or making arrangements for loading into the space available in your vehicle.
A few Do's & Do Not's - For Picking Up Bees
Is there a store for shopping at the Pick Up location?
We do not have a brick and mortar store for supplies, like bee suits and gloves, but we do keep these type of supplies in stock at an off-site climate controlled facility, so ordering supplies in advance is recommended so we can have what you need at the main bee farm and have everything available for you when you arrive for your appointment.
What I should bring? Do I need to wear a bee suit of veil?
Bring your beekeeping gear, if you have any... you may not need it, but you'll have it if you decide you do need it once you arrive. You are coming to an apiary - a bee farm with many hives. The entire area will potentially have a lot of bees flying throughout the day, so protective gear is always a good idea. Meaning, be prepared for the occasion. If you ordered additional protective gear and supplies from us ahead of time, we will have it on hand and available when you arrive.
Will the bees get overheated?
The bees will be contained in the hives with the tops fastened and the entrances closed for travel. Do not leave them without air flow in the direct sun at any time, and keep them cool and well ventilated until the bees are allowed to fly and ventilate on their own. The containers will have ventilation to allow for air flow to keep the bees cool during transport, but they need to be moving to prevent overheating during the warmer part of the year.
How heavy are they? Do I need help loading and unloading?
We will load them for you, but you may want help unloading. Each nuc of bees, including the transport tote, can weigh up to 25 - 30 pounds, so they are not hard to handle. The complete hives only weigh about 10 -15 pounds more, so 40 - 50 lbs average.
It is up to you if you want help for unloading or not. All Nucs and hives will have the bees contained within, so they are fine in the back of a truck, in a car or SUV. If you want to net your bees, that is fine, but we do not supply the nets (check Dollar Store for the $1 laundry net bags.)
Securing your bees for transport:
We recommend using a ratchet strap or equivalent method to secure Nucs of bees and any additional empty boxes with frames, while in transit. The complete hives are heavy enough that they should not need to be strapped down. Shade should be considered when stopping on the way to your destination with your bees. Short stops for fuel are not a concern, but like any other live animal, your bees should not be left in the direct sun or excessive heat when they are closed up if the vehicle stops moving for long periods during transport.
If the vehicle stops moving for extended periods, the bees will need water to keep the hive cool, so having a spray (water) bottle could be helpful should you have to make an unscheduled stop (flat tire, etc.) that takes longer than 30 minutes. You can mist the bees from the end vents on the ProNuc totes or through the bottom of hives, below and through the screen if needed.
Visit the beekeeping FAQs & How To section and the Educational section of our website to find more useful information that is not covered on this page.
