Nuc Faqs

How Long Can Bees Stay in the ProNuc Transport Tote?

The ProNuc is designed as a transport box to safely move bees from one location to another. It is not intended to be long-term housing.

• If a hive is ready, we place the ProNuc on top of the hive and open the sliding door as soon as we reach the destination.
• Opening the door allows the bees to fly, ventilate, and begin orientation flights right away.
• If a hive is not yet ready, placing the ProNuc on a stand in its permanent location and opening the door accomplishes the same goal.

The goal is to allow the bees to cool themselves, take orientation flights, and access food and water as soon as possible.

Leaving bees closed up in the transport tote for more than a few days can lead to overcrowding and may increase the urge to swarm.

Why We Install Nucs Right Away

We make our Nucs on the “fat” side, with plenty of brood and food.

• Strong Nucs can outgrow a 5-frame transport tote quickly.
• Getting them into full-size hive equipment right away gives the colony room to expand.
• Providing adequate space helps prevent the bees from developing the urge to swarm.

How We Install a Nuc Into a Hive

This is the basic process we use when installing a Nuc into a full-size hive body.

• Place the hive in its permanent location before beginning.
• Remove six or more frames to create space for the five Nuc frames.
• Transfer the frames one at a time, keeping them in the same order and orientation, and place them in the center of the hive body.
• Add additional frames and a feeder, if used, to fill the remaining space.
• Shake any remaining bees from the transport tote into the hive.
• Close the hive and leave the entrance open so returning bees can find their way inside.

If using a screened bottom board with a removable debris board, we insert the debris board after installation. This encourages bees to use the main entrance and helps prevent clustering beneath the hive. We generally can remove the debris board after a couple of days and be bees have successfully learned the new entrance.

Do We Use Nets or Bags for Nucs?

It is normal for a few bees to be on the outside of the ProNuc during loading. These bees are trying to stay with the colony and are not looking to defend.

• We do not automatically place Nucs in nets unless requested ahead of time.
• If someone prefers additional containment, we are happy to help net or bag the Nuc.
• Mesh laundry bags with drawstrings work well and are easy to find at dollar stores.

If transporting Nucs inside the cab of a vehicle, some people prefer using a net or bag for peace of mind. This is a personal comfort decision.

Loose Bees and Transport Concerns

It is common for a few bees to be on the outside of the Nuc or occasionally inside the vehicle during transport.

• These bees are not in attack mode and are trying to return to the colony.
• Lowering a window slightly usually allows a loose bee to exit on its own.
• If loose bees cause concern, planning ahead with nets or bags is a simple solution.

Becoming comfortable around bees is part of becoming a beekeeper, and this process usually becomes much easier with experience.

Additional Help and Resources

Step-by-step Nuc installation instructions and a short video demonstration are available on the Nuc Installation page.

Visit the additional Beekeeping Help and Educational section for more.