After Pick UP
Everything you need to know to give your new bees the best start
Congratulations on Your New Bees!
Picking up your nuc or hive is just the beginning. The first few weeks are critical for helping your colony settle in, accept their new home, and build up strong for the season. Follow these steps and your bees will thrive.
Transport Your Bees Safely
Secure the nuc box or hive so it cannot tip or slide during transport. Keep the entrance closed or screened until you reach your destination. Bees can overheat quickly, so avoid leaving them in a hot vehicle. If it is a long drive, transport in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
Set Up in the Right Location
Place your hive in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade — especially important in the East Texas heat. Make sure the hive is level side-to-side but tilted very slightly forward so rainwater drains out. Keep the entrance facing away from high foot traffic areas.
Install Your Nuc (Option 1 Buyers)
Open the nuc box at dusk or early morning. Transfer frames in the same order they came — do not rearrange them. Place them in the center of your 10-frame deep hive body. Fill the remaining space with empty drawn comb or foundation frames. Place the empty nuc box in front of the hive entrance so any remaining bees can walk in overnight.
Start Feeding Right Away
New colonies need help building up comb and stores. Feed 1:1 sugar syrup (one part sugar to one part water by weight) using a hive-top feeder or entrance feeder. Continue feeding until they stop taking it or until a strong nectar flow begins. Do not stop feeding too early — a hungry new colony can fail quickly.
Leave Them Alone for 7–10 Days
Resist the urge to open the hive every day. Give your bees 7–10 days to settle in, orient to their new location, and for the queen to establish her laying pattern. Opening too soon can stress the colony and cause them to reject or supersede the queen.
Your First Inspection
After 7–10 days, do a gentle inspection. Look for eggs (tiny white grains standing upright in cells), young larvae in a C-shape, and capped brood in a solid pattern. If you see all three, your queen is healthy and laying well. Do not panic if you cannot find the queen herself — seeing eggs is proof enough she is present.
Monitor and Treat for Varroa
Varroa mites are the number one threat to honey bee colonies. Perform an alcohol wash or sugar roll to check your mite load within the first month. If your count is 2 or more mites per 100 bees, treat immediately. There are several effective treatments — consult your local extension office or beekeeping association for current recommendations.
Quick Tips for New Beekeepers
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Always wear your protective gear, even if the bees seem calm.
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Use your smoker before and during every inspection.
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Keep a hive journal — note what you see at every inspection.
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Join your local beekeeping association for mentorship and support.
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Never miss a Varroa treatment window — mites can crash a colony in weeks.
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If you have questions, reach out to us at [email protected].
Helpful Resources
We recommend the Texas A&M AgriLife Honey Bee Program and the East Texas Beekeepers Association as excellent local resources for new beekeepers. Both offer workshops, mentorship, and up-to-date information on bee health in our region.
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