Getting Bees to Go Into Your Beehive
Having a beehive is a great way to help the environment and produce your own honey. But before you can start harvesting honey, you need to get bees into your beehive. Here are some tips on how to do that.
1. Buy a Package of Bees
The easiest way to get bees into your beehive is to buy a package of bees from a beekeeper or bee supply store. A package of bees typically contains 3 pounds of bees, including a queen bee, and enough food for the colony to survive until they can find their own food sources. When you purchase a package of bees, you will need to install them in your hive as soon as possible.
2. Catch a Swarm
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try catching a swarm of wild bees. Swarms are clusters of bees that have left their old hive in search of a new home. To catch a swarm, you will need to locate the swarm and then use a bee vacuum or other method to capture them and transfer them into your beehive.
3. Bait Your Hive
Another option is to bait your hive with sugar water or lemongrass oil. This will attract wild bees that are looking for a new home. Once they enter the hive, you can close it up and let them settle in.
4. Buy an Established Hive
Finally, if all else fails, you can always buy an established hive from another beekeeper. This is the most expensive option but it also ensures that your hive will be populated with healthy bees right away.