How to Get the Bee: A Guide to Obtaining Honey Bees for Beekeeping

Bees are fascinating creatures that play a vital role in pollinating plants and producing honey. As interest in urban beekeeping continues to grow, many aspiring apiarists wonder: how do I get bees for my new hive? There are a few methods for obtaining bees – buying them, catching a wild swarm, or removing an existing colony. This guide will overview the pros and cons of each approach, providing tips for getting your own bees.

Buying Bees

For beginning beekeepers, purchasing bees is often the most practical option You can buy starter colonies from local beekeepers, beekeeping supply companies or associations There are two main types available

Package Bees

Package bees contain about 10,000-20,000 worker bees and a mated queen. The bees are housed in a screen-sided wooden box with a feeder can of sugar syrup for food during transport Installing package bees into a hive is relatively easy You simply shake the bees into the hive near frames of foundation or empty comb. After a few days, you remove the cork blocking the queen’s cage and allow her to walk out into the colony.

Pros:

• Cost effective way to start a colony
• Lower disease risk than used equipment
• Can buy bees similar to your region

Cons:

• Bees require extra care when installing
• No drawn comb or brood
• Need to be installed quickly

Nucleus Colonies

A nucleus colony, or “nuc,” is a small but complete hive containing frames of brood, food stores, bees and a laying queen. Nucs come in various sizes, typically containing 3-5 frames. Since a nutc already has comb and brood, the colony can expand at a faster rate. Just transfer the frames into a full-size hive box.

Pros:

• Generates a larger population quickly
• Gives new colony momentum
• Less work than installing package bees

Cons:

• More expensive than packages
• Increased disease risk from old comb
• Limited availability

When buying bees, look for sellers who offer local stock adapted to your climate. Packages and nucs should appear very healthy, with no visible issues. Reputable suppliers will guarantee the queen.

Catching a Swarm

You can sometimes obtain free bees by collecting a swarm – a temporary cluster of bees looking for a new home. Swarming happens when a colony outgrows its hive and the old queen leaves with some workers to find a nest site. Scout bees will locate a temporary spot for the swarm to cluster, like a tree branch.

Capturing a swarm involves coaxing the mass of bees into a cardboard box or hive body. You can gently brush or shake them directly into the box. Or use smoke to herd them in. Once inside, close up the box and bring it to your desired hive location. Carefully dump the bees near the entrance so they walk inside on their own.

Pros:

• Free bees!
• Exciting, hands-on experience

Cons:

• Swarms are unpredictable
• Bees may have low genetic diversity
• Higher risk of transmitting diseases
• May not have a viable queen

Before grabbing a swarm, check your state’s laws. Removing bees on private property without permission could constitute theft. Also weigh the risks – swarms could harbor pests or have an inferior queen.

Removing Existing Colonies

Sometimes honey bee colonies take up residence where they’re not wanted, like inside walls or chimneys. Beekeepers can be hired to extract these bees for free and give them a proper home. This involves carefully opening up the nest site, vacuuming bees into a box, and transferring combs into movable frames.

The benefits are obtaining free bees and doing someone a service by humanely removing them. However, removals can be extremely labor intensive. There’s no guarantee the colony will survive. And diseases are easily spread when transferring old comb.

If choosing this method, hire an experienced removal pro to handle it safely. Never disturb unwanted bees without proper protective equipment.

Key Tips for Obtaining Bees

• Research local regulations – some areas prohibit keeping bees or capturing swarms.

• Find reputable bee providers and suppliers in your state. Seek local bees suited for your climate.

• When buying packaged bees, set up the hive ahead of time so it’s ready for installation.

• Schedule installations early in the season to give colonies time to build up.

• Always exercise caution when working with bees and use proper attire.

• After obtaining bees, follow best practices for hive management and health.

Provide Your New Colony the Best Start

However you acquire your bees, the key is giving them a healthy start in their new home. Feed them honey or sugar syrup to build wax comb. Supply sufficient food stores for their growth. Monitor for signs of disease and treat if necessary. With proper care and husbandry, your new colony will thrive – thanks to knowing how to get the bees in the first place!