Most new beehives are started by ordering a  package of live honey bees, usually in the three pound size. Here in Michigan we get our packages of bees from bee breeders in the state of Georgia.

Inside these packages of bees is a can of syrup for the bees to feed on during their trip and until they are installed in their new hive. The can of syrup and the Queen Cage are suspended from the inside of the top of the wooden box. The box has screening on the sides for ventilation.

 The Queen and the bees inside the box are originally from separate hives and must be kept apart until their respective odors mix and become one. If this is not done then the bees would kill the queen as she is not one of them.

Allow at least 2 - 6 weeks for delivery, depending on the season. Bee suppliers raise just enough bees and queens to fill orders as they come in. The packages will be mailed to the local Post Office. When they arrive, the Post Office will call and ask you to come down and pick up the bees as soon as you can. Bees make the postal workers nervous for some reason.

There is a helpful video on this web site showing how to install a package of bees - click here.

When you are ready to order honey bees, contact:

Gardner's Apiaries and Spell Bee Co.
510 Patterson Rd.
Baxley, GA. 31513
phone: 912-367-9352 or 912-367-4179
fax: 912-367-7047

Gardner's Apiaries and Spell Bee Co. carries top quality Italian bees and queen. Their office staff is very pleasant and extremely helpful. The company has had a great reputation for years, and hasn't yet seen the need for a web site.