Installing Bees in Greenbelt Hives


Rachel removes the food canister (for the sugar syrup that they eat before they get to their new hive) and opens the "package" of bees. Fun fact: this type of package can be ordered by mail and arrives at the post office buzzing! The postal workers like you to pick it up in a timely fashion.	Rachel has just “poured” the bees from the box into the hive, and the bees will soon settle and start to climb up the frames, making space for all 10 frames of this hive. This common type of beehive is called a Langstroth hive and was invented in 1852. Its versatile structure of removable sections makes it easy for the beekeeper to check up on the health of the hive.

Rachel is adding the frames to the "brood box." These lower boxes are where the queen will lay her eggs. The upper boxes are called "honey supers" where the bees will store the honey. Each box has 10 "Frames" that hang in it and provide a structure where the bees can build their comb. They could build it without the frames, but beekeepers like to provide the structure so that it is easier to inspect for disease or other issues later in the year.	Adding the 9th frame (out of 10) to the brood box. Rachel will attach the little box the queen is in before adding the 10th frame. The queen's box is plugged with a piece of sugar, which the bees will eat their way through to release her into their new hive.