Leafcutter Bee Releasing Instructions
Bee development and emergence are temperature-dependent. Since temperatures vary during transit, your bees may arrive fully emerged, or they may need more time to finish development and break free from their cocoons. Bees should emerge within 1-10 days at ~80 °F. If temps are lower, bees will take longer to emerge.
Step 1: Cool The Bees. Before opening, put the shipping tube in the fridge for 15 minutes. The cold temps calm the bees and allow you to open without the bees flying away. Important: Maximum 30 minutes in the fridge. Remove bees and cocoons to a hatchery, or to a small, lidded plastic container that can act as your hatchery when you release the bees inside your bee house.
Step 2: Release the Bees Early in the Morning or Late in the Evening.
***If outdoor temps are below 90 °F:***Place cocoons in a hatchery in the house's attic; or rest your hatchery on top of nesting materials inside the house, Push hatchery all the way to the back to protect from direct sun, wind, rain, and birds.
***If outdoor temps are above 90 °F:***Release emerged bees from the hatchery next to the bee house. Keep the remaining cocoons in a place that's 70 °- 80 °F. Continue to release bees next to the house as they emerge.
Step 3: Watch bees fly! Small, round holes in non-fibrous leaves such as roses and peas are signs of active leafcutters. Bees fly for ~6 weeks. If warm conditions persist, a second generation may emerge.
**Bees emerged before house arrived:**Complete Step 1, then place a cotton ball soaked in 1 tsp white sugar and 1 tsp water inside the hatchery with the bees. Place the hatchery in a naturally cool location inside your home until your house arrives. Continue to Step 2 when your house is ready.
Please remember that bees are wild and may choose to nest elsewhere.