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My first and only hive (installed this spring) seems doomed. I saw a queen cell about four weeks ago. I can't be sure if it had a queen in it. The cell is open now although I can't locate a queen. I think the queen that came with the package must not have been satisfactory because there were very few capped cells of any kind. As of today, It looks like there are only about 100 bees left. At this point, my question is: is it too late to order another package and if not, would the new bees "fix" what the original ones started? Thanks in advance for any suggestions you guys may be able to offer.

I would recommend buying a nuc rather than a package. Then you can see how the queen is laying and have bees emerging from day one. If you want to go into detail, call me. 336-302-2708

Thanks so much for your help, Wally!

If you look at the top of the page, you will see "1 new message" Click on it and you will find the private message I just sent to you.

You're welcome.

Wally, I am so grateful for your help and great advice. I have an actual hive now with capped brood, honey, and healthy bees all doing their jobs just as they should! The little guard bees that came with the nuc you sold me are amazing because just last week there was a big old bumble bee coming and going as he pleased acting like he thought he owned the place. The day after you brought my hive back I witnessed that big bumble bee being denied entrance by the new "bouncers" at the door. He kept trying and they kept denying. Thanks again for all the help and expertise you and others share with the GCBA!

That's why we have the GCBA. I just wish more would use us. We are here to help new beeks get started and to maintain after starting.

PS. Glad you are happy. You are more than welcome. Keep us posted as to how they do.

My "new" hive (from Wally's nuc box) is doing so well that I added my first shallow super yesterday!

I looked all over the brood box frames but never found the queen. I saw plenty of larvae and capped brood so I'm sure she's there and I'll check for her again next week. I didn't see any new eggs (the white rice) but I have a hard time identifying those. I looked as long as I felt I should but I just didn't want to get all in their beeswax and stress them out any longer than I had to yesterday.

One other thing I should mention...uuugh...those nasty small hive beetles are such a nuisance! The bees go after them but can't seem to get rid of them. Any suggestions, anyone?

Thanks again for your help and good advice!

Small hive beetles are a challenge. The more sunlight on your hive, the better. Don't give the bees more space than they can protect. Have your hive tool handy and crush the little suckers (the SHB, not your bees) when they run around on the inner cover. The adult SHB are not the problem and a strong hive will keep them from laying eggs. The damage comes from when SHB can lay in unprotected comb, the eggs hatch, and SHB larvae begin eating through eggs, pollen, and honey. They can stink up a hive quickly and make it so unpleasant that the bees abscond.

It might be a good idea to call me or another of the mentors and have one of us look at your hive with you.

Also, be sure to keep SHB traps in the hive and well baited.

Thanks, guys! I'll keep a watchful eye on the SHBs and make sure they do no harm this time. I've only seen adults and last time I saw their nasty larvae when I used pollen patties. Ick! Hopefully, the renewed strength of the hive will keep them in check. (Thanks, Wally!) I'll be calling if necessary, though.

I've learned so much in a short time from this forum and the information shared by our members. Thanks so much!