Where to Buy Bees
One of the most common questions I receive about beekeeping is "where do we buy the actual bees?" Often, it is easier to find bee-keeping supplies than it is to find the bees themselves. In this post, I will help you find some sources for both beekeeping equipment, and where to buy the bees themselves.
When to buy bees?
If you want to buy bees for this coming spring or summer, the time to start looking is in February. Beekeepers start their waiting lists early so they can order the bees in time for early spring. If you wait until the weather warms up you may miss your chance.
Where to find beekeeping equipment?
With a relatively quick internet search, you can easily find beekeeping supplies. There are many large beekeeping manufacturers that sell bee equipment. Our local Rural King has a decent assortment of beekeeping supplies and Amazon has a lot of options as well.
I also encourage you to look at some local buy/sell groups. Used equipment can be cleaned and given a new life. Used equipment is usually much cheaper than new.
We have a local family-owned business that we absolutely LOVE! They not only sell beekeeping equipment but give classes and sell packaged bees as well! They are wonderful people! Check out Turtlebee Farms!
It's not too difficult to get your hands on some hive boxes, bee suits, and smokers, but locating the actually insects can prove to be much more of a challenge. Check out these options below.
1. Local Beekeepers/ Beekeeping Clubs
If you're thinking about getting into bees, I recommend that you join a local bee club. The information you will gather from other beekeepers is not only fascinating but so, so valuable. Try a google search for local clubs. Facebook also has many groups you can join.
If you're in Michigan, check out the Michigan Beekeepers Association. They have a list of bee clubs that you can join by the district. I'm sure other states have similar programs as well.
Often someone from a club or a beekeeping organization can get you in touch with a local beekeeper who is selling bees.
2. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Best Farm Buys
We needed to re-queen one of our hives a few years back and found a beekeeper on Facebook Marketplace who was selling queens. He was less than 5 miles from our house and has a beautiful backyard apiary. If we ever need to replace our hives, I will contact him to see if he has anything for sale.
While Craigslist is losing its popularity, I still give it a look over once in a while. A lot of seasoned homesteaders still use Craigslist to advertise.
Best Farm Buys is another good site when looking for homesteading items or animals. You can search by subject or area.
Facebook groups is another great place to look. Join local beekeeping groups. You can ask if anyone is selling bees this spring. Be sure to follow the group guidelines, some don't allow buying and selling.
3. Talk to an Orchard Manager
If you live near a fruit orchard, many times they will pay beekeepers to bring bees in for pollination. There's a good chance that an employee or manager would be able to put you in touch with a beekeeper.
4. Mail Order
While I've never done it myself, you can order bees through the mail. You might get an interesting phone call from your local post office when they arrive, but it is possible. Many of the larger distributors offer this service.
Talk to your local post office beforehand and find out how they would handle a live bee shipment. If you live in a rural area this might be a common occurrance. If not, explain that you would come immediately to pick up the bees. The company you order through should have information to help you work with the post office.
5. Farmer's Market
Many times there will be a beekeeper selling honey at your local farmer's market. Often, these small-time operations have a limited ability to service a finite number of hives. If they get too many colonies that want to swarm, they may be interested in splitting a hive and selling it to you.
6. Catching a Swarm
While it is possible to catch a swarm and start a hive that way, oftentimes, this process is a little intimidating to a beginner, and you may not be successful the first year. I will have a post coming soon on how to catch a swarm using a swarm box.
7. Ask the managers at big box stores
For years we purchased our packaged bees from Dadant. It's a good-sized distributor of bee-keeping supplies. Each spring they offer packaged bees for pickup. I would call around mid-February to place my order...they sell out quickly.
Luckily we live only an hour and a half away from their facility so we are able to visit in person.
If you don't live near a large company, ask around at your local feed stores. Some years our Family Farm and Home offers bee pick-ups.
Pin it!
