Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: RangerBrad on April 04, 2009, 07:04:11 PM

Title: Is it to soon???
Post by: RangerBrad on April 04, 2009, 07:04:11 PM
Howdy folk's, I've got my hives all painted and assembled on their cinder blocks on location today in anticipation of my first bees to arrive in about 2 weeks. However, I got to thinking maybe I shouldn't put them out yet. maybe other insects will move in while their setting out there unoccupied. What are yals thoughts? Thank's, Brad
Title: Re: Is it to soon???
Post by: Rex on April 04, 2009, 07:19:50 PM
Hey, RangerBrad, it's understandable to be excited and get your hive all set up and ready to go early.  I'm excited for you, because keeping bees is a blast and a half.

I don't think there should be a problem in doing it 2 weeks ahead.  The only problem I could think of might be if your frames are already drawn out comb filled with honey from last year, etc.) which might attract insects or mice.  But I'm pretty sure that your bees will drive out any bugs that try to move in.
Title: Re: Is it to soon???
Post by: iddee on April 04, 2009, 07:46:46 PM
That might be a bad idea. It is swarm season and a swarm may move in and set up housekeeping. Then you wouldn't have a place to put your bees when they arrive.  :roll:

Other than that, I don't see a problem this time of year.
Title: Re: Is it to soon???
Post by: RangerBrad on April 04, 2009, 09:39:33 PM
This has HSC frame in it and if course I havn't added the lemmon grass oil or sugar syrup yet. Brad
Title: Re: Is it to soon???
Post by: Brian D. Bray on April 04, 2009, 10:19:53 PM
Quote from: RangerBrad on April 04, 2009, 09:39:33 PM
This has HSC frame in it and if course I havn't added the lemmon grass oil or sugar syrup yet. Brad


If the HSC frames are new and still has that new plastic smell that bees hate then there is little danger of a swarm moving into the hive. 

Leaving the frames out for a week or so before your bees arrives allows the HSC frames to air out and have less new plastic smell.  A masking agent like Lemon Grass Oil or Vanilla extra with take care of any remaining smell.