On March 31, 2015 we released our Italian bees into our Langstroth hives (on the Southwest Conservation Club’s property). Since the weather was under an average of 40F, our installation procedure was a bit different the usual process (we did not “shake” the bees into the hive). We began by removing 5 brood (deep) frames to make room for the wooden package of (10,000) bees. We then removed the queen and stood up her cage (vertically) between the first and second frames. We then placed the bee package in the brood box where the empty space was made from the removed frames. The feeding can was removed and we covered the brood box with the inner cover. An empty brood box was placed over that. Inside this box and on top of the inner cover we placed a pint jar feeder with a 2:1 sugar to water mixture. This feeder typically goes on the outside of the hive but until temperatures rise, we will keep the feeder in the brood box to prevent the bees from having to go out into the cold to feed.
Bees were not sprayed with sugar water/syrup as it may have caused them to die from cold temperatures. Hives are to be checked in the next 24-48 hours to remove package boxes and replace frames.
Southwest Honey Co. stands to conserve, preserve and educate the Fort Wayne, Indiana community about bees and honey production.
More About Southwest Honey Co.
Raw, Local Honey & Gifts
Our unpasteurized and raw honey is bottled directly from the hive, so you can enjoy with confidence that it has pure nutrients, enzymes, and pollen. . .
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Learn More About Pollinators
We hold hands-on, fun and educational events and classes for kids (Explore The Honey Bee), adults (Bees & Brew) and seniors (Bees & Tea). . .
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Help Save Our Bees
Did you know that we can thank a honey bee for one of every three bites of food we take? Join in our cause to help save the bees. . .
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