Starting a beekeeping journey is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. One crucial step in establishing your apiary is purchasing the right bees. Buying package bees online offers convenience, variety, and the assurance of getting healthy bees delivered directly to your doorstep.
This guide will help you understand the process of buying package bees online, what to look for, and how Meyer Bees can help you get started.
Why Buy Package Bees Online?
Easy Ordering: Purchase package bees from the comfort of your home.
Direct Delivery: Get your bees delivered to your doorstep, minimizing the hassle of transportation.
Wide Selection: Access to various bee breeds and suppliers unavailable locally.
Understanding Package Bees
What Are Package Bees?
Package bees are a group of worker bees, usually around 2-3 pounds, with a mated queen included. They are sold in screened boxes and are used to start new hives or strengthen existing ones.
Benefits of Package Bees
Fresh Start: Ideal for beginners starting their first hive.
Disease Control: Starting with package bees reduces the risk of introducing diseases from an established colony.
Flexible Timing: Package bees are available for purchase during the spring, which is the best time to start a new hive.
How to Buy Package Bees Online?
Research and Selection
Reputable Suppliers: Choose reputable online suppliers known for healthy and high-quality bees.
Bee Breeds: Consider the breed of bees that best suits your local environment and beekeeping goals. Common breeds include Italian, Carniolan, and Russian bees.
Placing Your Order
Check Availability: Ensure the supplier has package bees available for the desired delivery date.
Read Reviews: Look for customer reviews and ratings to ensure the supplier’s reliability.
Health Guarantees: Confirm that the supplier offers health guarantees for the package bees.
Delivery and Installation
Delivery Timing: Plan for the arrival of your bees and be ready to install them into the hive promptly.
Prepare the Hive: Ensure your hive has frames, foundation, and food supplies.
Installation Process: Follow the supplier’s instructions for installing package bees into the hive.
Benefits of Buying Package Bees from Meyer Bees
Tips for Installing Package Bees
Preparation
Prepare the Hive: Ensure your hive is clean, with frames and foundation in place.
Feed Your Bees: Provide sugar syrup to help the bees establish their new home.
Installation Steps
Spray with Sugar Syrup: Lightly spray the package bees with sugar syrup to keep them calm.
Remove the Queen: Carefully remove her cage and inspect her for health.
Release the Bees: Gently shake the bees into the hive, starting with the queen cage between the frames.
Install the Queen: Place the queen cage in the hive, allowing the bees to release her over a few days.
Close the Hive: Secure the hive and provide a feeder with sugar syrup.
Post-Installation Care
Monitor the Hive: Check the hive regularly to ensure the queen has been released and the bees are settling in.
Provide Food: Feed the bees sugar syrup until they start foraging independently.
Inspect for Health: Regularly inspect the hive for signs of disease or pests.
Conclusion
Buying package bees online is a convenient and effective way to start or expand your beekeeping journey. You can successfully establish a thriving hive with the proper preparation and support. If you wish to know more about buying bee packages online, explore a series of options.
Meyer Bees offers high-quality package bees and comprehensive beekeeping supplies to ensure your success.
For more information and to browse their selection of package bees, visit Meyer Bees. Start your beekeeping adventure today with confidence and the right resources.