- DSCN2191
I was asked to show and tell package installation to a group of cub scouts. May 5th, 2003, MSU apiary. All Photos by Thomas Valli (except two), the den leader. - DSCN2192
The first step is to spray some light sugar water to the bees to calm them down. When they are wet and heavy, they do not fly as much. - DSCN2193
A bit of lecturing. - DSCN2194
Cracking open the cover. - DSCN2197_001
Now the hard part: removing the can (which holds sugar syrup) out. Sometimes this is difficult because bees may build some wax around it. By keeping the can flat, or even a bit upsidedown, as shown here, makes it easier to get it out. - queencage
Check that the queen is alive (can you find her?). Then remove the metal plate (facing my hand), exposing the hole through which the bees can chew out (through the candy) and release the queen. Some people push a nail through the candy in this hole to acccelerate the chewing through, others leave it alone. The hole away from my hand was plugged by a cork. Put this cage between two frames, leaving the sugar side up -- this way dead workers inside will not block the hole, which is facing up. Photo by Zachary Huang. - queencagebetweenframes
Place the queen cage (again, candy side up, with the hole unplugged) between two frames, with screen not facing the frames so bees in the colony can transfer the queen pheromone out through the screen. This picture was taken in another package colony (with older frames). Photo by Zachary Huang - DSCN2198
The can is out! - DSCN2200
Give it a good shake and the bees should all come out...then they magically 'flowing' down between the frames. Very few bees would fly if you have sprayed enough. - DSCN2201
The package cage is almost empty now. - DSCN2205
Showing the correct way to grab a bee. If you brab both wings, a worker can never be able to sting you because her abdomen is not that flexible (some wasps can though). - DSCN2208
Putting a 2 gallon syrup (50%) on top to stimulate the bees to build wax since this colony had 10 frames with foundations only. Then put an empty super on, and cover it up. All done! - DSCN2210
Well, everything went smoothly. One boy got stung once and I did not even get one without a veil! Well I did get one on purpose to show the kids how the stinger would stay inside my flesh. Thanks for all the photos (and we did not even have a photo of you), Tom! - DSCN9844
Swarm discovered: 9:19am, 6/13/2002. At the MSU apiary near the Lake. - DSCN9846
A closeup of the swarm.