How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package

Arkwood · May 21, 2013, 02:03:54 PM

UPS was suppose to deliver my packages (2) by 10:30 AM. Aircraft had some issue and it's now 1:00 PM EST and still no Bees here yet. However our sunny skies has turned into an afternoon thunderstorm and could stick around an hour or 2 (probably 1/2 to an inch of rain), probably when the Bees will show up. Just curious how long should I wait to install the packages after the rain goes away for the day and should I just wait until an hour or so before sunset now?

rober · May 21, 2013, 02:15:10 PM

as soon as the sky clears. if there is no static in the air from electrical storms you could install them even if it's overcast. it's electriccal storms that make them cranky.

Arkwood · May 21, 2013, 02:34:14 PM

I just got a call back from UPS.

Silly me thought even with a delay on UPS side they would still put overnight Guaranteed ahead of Ground. Looks like I'm looking around 4PM now. I guess since the guarantee means the shipping is now free to the customer there is no need to still rush the parcels to those who wanted or need it ASAP!

Arkwood · May 21, 2013, 02:50:53 PM

Sorry that one of my first posts turned into me complaining. I've just had issue after issue... I need to beat up on something and UPS is currently the issue so :-D

Kathyp · May 21, 2013, 02:53:07 PM

you don't need to install them today. as long as they have food in the package, they can wait. better not to rush so that you can do it right.

if you need to do it right away, it can be done between rain shower or whatever. think someone did it between snow showers last year!

Kathyp · May 21, 2013, 02:53:41 PM

oh...if you wait, keep them in a dim and cool room.

Arkwood · May 21, 2013, 07:03:25 PM

Bees showed up at 4:00, installed around 4:45. Rain was over, sun was out and everything was smooth!

Joe D · May 21, 2013, 07:27:01 PM

Glad all went well, good luck with your bees.

Joe

Georgia Boy · May 21, 2013, 09:03:05 PM

I know it was tough waiting until your bees arrived. Just went through that a month and a half ago. Glad everything went well on the install. :)

Now the really hard part starts. Leaving them alone until they build up. It will be as hard or harder than waiting to get them in the first place.

Good luck.

David

Arkwood · May 24, 2013, 03:11:17 PM

With help we pulled the cork out today. Comb was being built nicely on both hives, I was kind of shocked at how much in just a few days (probably normal).

Not much sugar water is being used but some, I see a lot of pollen coming in.