VTBeeHannah · Skåne, SE · Beginners · Jun 2, 2026

First package install — bees are bearding hard on day 2. Normal or swarming?

Installed my first package Saturday. It hit 31°C today and there's a big beard hanging off the front. Total panic or totally fine? Box is single deep, 5 frames drawn comb + 5 foundation. Entrance reducer on smallest setting. Fed 1:1 syrup.

#package#bearding#first-year

▲ 19 votes 💬 3 replies

3 replies

TexasBeeSam · Jun 2, 2026

Breathe — that's just AC. Bees beard to cool the hive when it's hot. A fresh package has nothing to swarm with.

SkaneBees · Jun 2, 2026

Open the entrance reducer one notch. Tight reducer + hot day + new colony = ventilation problem. The bearding will calm down once they can move air.

MayaBees · Jun 3, 2026

Also confirm they're actually drawing comb. If you've got the room and no comb is going up after 5 days, that's a feed problem, not a heat problem.

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