Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Arkwood on May 21, 2013, 02:03:54 pm

Title: How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package
Post by: Arkwood on 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?
Title: Re: How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package
Post by: rober on 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.
Title: Re: How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package
Post by: Arkwood on 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!
Title: Re: How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package
Post by: Arkwood on 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
Title: Re: How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package
Post by: Kathyp on 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!
Title: Re: How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package
Post by: Kathyp on May 21, 2013, 02:53:41 pm
oh...if you wait, keep them in a dim and cool room.
Title: Re: How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package
Post by: Arkwood on 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!

Title: Re: How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package
Post by: Joe D on May 21, 2013, 07:27:01 pm
Glad all went well, good luck with your bees.




Joe
Title: Re: How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package
Post by: Georgia Boy on 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
Title: Re: How long after a thunderstorm should I wait to install package
Post by: Arkwood on 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.