 A frame of brood and food resources, covered with bees from a strong package colony's queen. Photo by Eric Malcolm, May 12, 2026. | Time in the Yard: 1 hour 30 minutes Avg Time per Colony: 7 minutes Total Colonies: 67 Temperature (°F): Hi: 83° Low: 40° Avg: 59.5° Total Precipitation: 0.32” |
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We checked queen status and equalized Frames of Bees (FOBs) in colonies installed from packages six weeks ago (n=12). Weaker colonies were also provided with frames of capped brood from stronger colonies. Requeened one colony (n=1) that did not accept their previously introduced new queen.
Observations:
Colonies installed from packages had varying FOBs with populations ranging from 2.5 and 10.5 FOBs, averaging at 4.5 FOB. All colonies had gentle temperaments.
Reflections:
When managing newly installed packages, it is helpful to inspect and equalize them regularly so weaker colonies do not fall too far behind and stronger colonies do not become overcrowded too quickly which could lead to swarming. If we install packages on this scale again, we will plan better safeguards to prevent or minimize drift.
Things in bloom:
Common Stork’s bill, European Field Pansy, Dandelion, Shepherd’s Purse, Star of Bethlehem, Purple Crown Vetch, Japanese Snowball, Paulownia, Black Locust, Black Cherry, Amur Honeysuckle, Amur Maple, Tulip Poplar, Russian Sage, Burning Bush, Golden Alexander, Daisy Fleabane, Dutch Clover, Crimson Clover, American Sycamore, American Elm, Red Clover
We checked queen status and equalized Frames of Bees (FOBs) in colonies installed from packages six weeks ago (n=12). Weaker colonies were also provided with frames of capped brood from stronger colonies. Requeened one colony (n=1) that did not accept their previously introduced new queen.
Observations:
Colonies installed from packages had varying FOBs with populations ranging from 2.5 and 10.5 FOBs, averaging at 4.5 FOB. All colonies had gentle temperaments.
Reflections:
When managing newly installed packages, it is helpful to inspect and equalize them regularly so weaker colonies do not fall too far behind and stronger colonies do not become overcrowded too quickly which could lead to swarming. If we install packages on this scale again, we will plan better safeguards to prevent or minimize drift.
Things in bloom:
Common Stork’s bill, European Field Pansy, Dandelion, Shepherd’s Purse, Star of Bethlehem, Purple Crown Vetch, Japanese Snowball, Paulownia, Black Locust, Black Cherry, Amur Honeysuckle, Amur Maple, Tulip Poplar, Russian Sage, Burning Bush, Golden Alexander, Daisy Fleabane, Dutch Clover, Crimson Clover, American Sycamore, American Elm, Red Clover