How to Install a Package of Honey Bees

This is a quick video of how to install your package of bees.  It is only three minutes long and has all the steps, so you can watch it over if you'd like.  There are other methods of installation; this is how I prefer to do the.

Find like minded friends!

There are beekeeping clubs in every state and probably one near you.  You should look up and attend a meeting with your local club.  Here in Virginia, you can find a club at the using an online map via the Virginia State Beekeepers Association.  While you are joining a club, you should also:
  • Locate a mentor (the club can help).  Mentors will assist and guide you through your first year and beyond!
  • Visit the library or buy some books!  My local library has hard-copy and digital beekeeping books.  I suggest you start there, then move to Amazon.
  • Utilize some great online books and resources listed under Educational Resources
  • Subscribe to Bee Culture or American Bee Journal.  I receive the hard-copy editions (I just like it better).
  • Get on beesource.com, and online discussion forum all about honey bees.

Decide where to put your bees

Honey bees are resilient, but you can help them with a good location.  Look for a location with the following attributes:
  • Full sun - honey bees do best in fighting off pests and disease in full sun.
  • Out of a flood plain - you don't want your hives and bees to float away!
  • Faces south - to get the bees up and working as early as possible
  • Near a water source - or you provide one
  • Easily accessible (especially if you use someone else's land)
  • Is in compliance with HOAs and local ordinances

Decide on Equipment
We have a handy infographic on everything you will need to get started!​ BFBs suggests starting and standardizing on 8 frame, medium equipment.  Eight frame boxes are lighter than 10 frame boxes by 20% to start.  Once the bees fill a super with honey, it is 30% lighter than 10 frame equipment! Traditional equipment setups include two "deeps" as the brood chamber, which is about equal to three medium boxes, but you don't use deeps for supers (honey boxes).  By using medium equipment, you can interchange boxes easily.  

You can buy equipment assembled or unassembled. Back Forty Bees supplies assembled hives for folks who want to start in beekeeping without having to construct a hive.