The difference between a newly installed package of bees and an established hive has to do with the comb (an established have has drawn the comb out and has stores and brood) and the existence of brood in an established hive. Between the drawn comb and the presence of brood bees are very likely to stay put. Installing a package is usually pretty simple and successful. NC State Cooperative Extension has a series of Beekeeping Notes, one of which is on "How to Install a Package of Bees." You can find all the information notes at www.cals.ncsu.edu/entomology/apiculture and clicking on "Extension," then "Beekeeping Notes," and then scrolling down to the particular note of interest.
- Bill Skelton, North Carolina State University
Bee Informed Partnership