The following pictures were taken by my brave wife. She stood about six feet from the hives with no protective clothing on.

When inspecting the hives I use my smoker. Smoke calms the bees which is probably why Diane did not get stung.

As you view these pictures keep in mind that the bees have been in the hives only sixteen days. The queens were released from their cages about eleven days ago.

The next few pictures show the use of the smoker.

1. 
   

I now remove the outer cover of the hive

Inside the second level of the hive are the gallon jars containing sugar water ( 50% water, 50% sugar). This sugar water provides food similar to nectar for the bees.

I now remove the inner cover and start inspecting the combs.

In the next few pictures you will see cones beginning to be made by the bees on the frames.

Installing the bees!

I received two packages of bees,enclosed in the two boxes below. One queen is included in each package in a very small box. Several bees are enclosed with her to care for her. Queens basically do nothing except lay eggs, up to 2500 per day. Each package contains about 7000 bees and a supply of food ( sugar water)

Before installing the bees in the hives, I spray them with sugar water ( 50% sugar and 50% water.) The sugar water occupies them as I remove them from the boxes. They drink it as it is similar in taste to nectar. It also wets their wings,preventing them from flying away. I wore no protective clothing nor did I use a smoker. Honey bees generally don't sting you unless they perceive you as threatening their home (hive),queen or larvae. At this stage of their life they have not established a home, adjusted to their new queen nor produced larvae.

The queen will remain in their cages in the hives for several days so the bees can adjust to her. If not, they may kill her.

I then dump them into the hive.

Bees are now in the hive.

They are beginning to adjust to their new home after their 15 hour journey from GEORGIA where they were born.