Beekeeping has become an increasingly popular hobby worldwide, and for good reason. Beyond the sweet reward of honey, beekeeping supports biodiversity and the health of our ecosystems. With this surge in interest, many aspiring and seasoned beekeepers are turning to online platforms to order everything they need to start their apiary—including the bees themselves. Buying bees online is a convenient and often efficient way to kickstart or expand an apiary, but there’s more to the process than simply clicking “add to cart.”
This article has all the details, whether you’re starting your first hive or adding a few new colonies. Read on to learn what you should know about how to order bees online.
Why Buying Bees Online Is Worth Considering
Traditionally, sourcing bees meant finding a local breeder or waiting for the chance to capture a swarm. While these methods still have value, buying bees online has emerged as a practical and accessible alternative. Online ordering allows you access to diverse bee species that might not be available locally. It also offers the convenience of browsing detailed product descriptions, reading customer reviews, and comparing different packages and prices without leaving your home.
Another key advantage is transparency. Reputable online suppliers often provide detailed certifications for their bees, ensuring quality genetics and disease-free colonies. This level of documentation and convenience makes online purchasing an excellent choice for novices and experienced beekeepers.
Factors To Consider Before Ordering Bees Online
You must take several factors into account before hitting the order button to ensure a successful experience. Always start by checking your local regulations if this is your first step into the world of beekeeping. Certain municipalities have restrictions or requirements, such as permits, so it’s always a good idea to confirm what is and isn’t allowed in your area.
Next, think about your regional climate. Some bee species prefer warm environments, while others can manage cold winters with ease.
Also, consider your intended use for the bees. Do you want to maximize honey production, improve bee pollination in your garden, or contribute to local conservation efforts? Your purpose should guide every decision, from the type of bees you select to the way you manage your hive. Careful planning at this stage can save you from challenges later.
Popular Types of Honeybees for Beekeepers
One of the most important things you should know when ordering bees online is how to choose the right type of honeybee for your hive. Among the most common honeybee species available online are Italian, Carniolan, Caucasian, Buckfast, and Russian, each with unique traits that appeal to different beekeepers. Your choice should align with your goals—whether it’s honey production, pollination, or conservation—and the environmental conditions of your area.
Italian honeybees are among the most popular choices. They are known for their gentle temperament and high honey production, making them a beginner-friendly option. Italian bees are also excellent foragers. However, they tend to rob other hives for nectar, creating the potential for problems if they’re near other colonies.
Carniolan honeybees are another calm and gentle honeybee breed. They do a good job of regulating their own hive population and use resources efficiently in winter, making them a relatively hardy choice. However, they tend to swarm more often than other breeds, so they require carefully monitoring as the population grows in spring.
Caucasian honeybees have a gentle temperament and a high honey yield. They can handle weather fluctuations well, making them ideal for regions with unpredictable seasons. Caucasian honeybees don’t swarm as often as other breeds, but they do tend to drift and rob other hives.
Buckfast honeybees have a strong natural resistance to many common bee diseases. They do well in cooler climates and overwinter very well. They also have a low tendency to swarm come spring. In addition to these traits, they produce a high honey yield, making them a cost-effective and beginner-friendly option.
Russian honeybees are a hardy breed that does well in colder climates. They overwinter well, but they tend to swarm more frequently in spring. They are also more aggressive than other honeybee breeds on this list, which means they require a little more care. However, it also makes them good guard bees for the apiary and—combined with their resistance to Varroa mites and other diseases—creates a resilient, relatively low-maintenance colony.
Package Bees, Queens, and Nucs Explained
You’ll notice many apiarists sell bees in three main formats: package bees, queens, and nucleus colonies (nucs). Each has its own advantages, depending on your skills and beekeeping goals.
Package bees are a popular choice for beginners and often include a queen (separate from the worker bees) along with a cluster of workers. Some suppliers also include foragers, guards, nurses, and drones in their honeybee packages. Make sure you know exactly what you need and what you’re getting before you buy. Package bees come in a screened box that you can install directly into your hive.
You might only need a new queen if you already have an established hive. Buying a mated queen allows you to quickly replace a dying or missing queen to prevent laying workers and other issues. Always introduce a new queen carefully to avoid rejection by the colony.
Nucleus colonies, commonly referred to as nucs, are essentially a “starter hive.” This miniature colony includes a mated queen, a few frames of honeycomb, worker bees, and brood. Buying bee nucs tends to cost more, but it saves time since the bees are already slightly established. They also offer beginners a smoother transition and a quicker start.
The Best Time To Order Bees
Timing can make all the difference in your online bee ordering experience. Most experts recommend ordering your bees in late fall or winter. The earlier you order, the easier it is to find the breed and package type you’re looking for. Early ordering also gives you time to prepare your apiary for your new colony.
Preparing for Delivery
Ensure you establish everything properly to welcome your bees into their new home before they arrive. First and foremost, have the appropriate beekeeping equipment ready. This equipment should include a hive (or hives), a smoker, a hive tool, and protective clothing. Be sure your apiary setup is complete with a secure and easily accessible hive stand.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
New beekeepers sometimes fall into common traps that can lead to unnecessary challenges. One big mistake is not researching local regulations ahead of ordering. Others include failing to set up the apiary in advance or buying more bees than you’re ready to manage.
Neglecting to check the condition of your bees upon arrival is another common error to avoid. Ensuring all components, especially the queen, are alive and healthy is vital for colony success. Lastly, always be cautious when introducing new bees to an older hive to prevent territorial issues.
Set Up for Success With Dadant
Dadant & Sons is your go-to beekeeping store for hives, tools, protective gear, supplements, and so much more. Find everything you need to prepare for the arrival of your honeybees when you shop online today.