ITALIAN BEE PACKAGE

Introduction: Your First Package of Bees Awaits

There’s a moment every beekeeper remembers vividly—the day their first package  bees for sale  arrives. For me, it was a warm spring morning when the post office called to say my bees had landed. I rushed over, heart pounding, and carried that screened wooden box to my car, listening to the gentle hum of 10,000 new lives.

That package changed everything. It wasn’t just about starting a hive; it was about starting a journey. And if you’re reading this, you’re about to start yours too.

Whether you’re a complete beginner searching for free shipping package honey bees for sale in the United States or an experienced beekeeper expanding your apiary, choosing the right package bees is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your success—and your enjoyment of beekeeping—hinges on getting this right.

I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about buying, installing, and successfully establishing package bees—with a special focus on the beloved Italian honey bee and the best deals on free shipping package honey bees for sale across America.

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What Exactly Are Package Bees?

Before we dive into buying, let’s clarify what you’re actually getting. A package of honey bees is a screened wooden box containing roughly 10,000 to 12,000 young worker bees (about 3 pounds), a young mated queen in a separate cage, and a can of sugar syrup to keep them fed during transport.

Package bees aren’t a functioning colony yet—they’re a starter kit. The workers and queen are strangers to each other. They haven’t built comb. They haven’t established a brood nest. They’re essentially a blank canvas, ready to become whatever you help them become.

What’s Inside a Standard Package?

Package Bees vs. Nucs: Which Should You Choose?

This is one of the most common questions I hear from new beekeepers. Here’s the honest breakdown:

Package Bees:

• Cheaper – Typically 60-75% of the cost of a nuc

• Can be shipped – Packages can be mailed anywhere in the United States

• No comb, honey, or pollen – They start from scratch

• More work initially – They need to build comb and establish brood

• Better for learning – You get to watch the entire process unfold

Nucs (Nucleus Colonies):

• More expensive – Can cost up to twice as much

• Must be picked up locally – Cannot be shipped

• Contains 4-5 frames – With comb, brood, food, and a laying queen

• Established faster – They’re already a functioning colony

• Better for immediate honey production

For beginners, I often recommend packages. Yes, they’re more work initially, but you learn more. You see the bees build comb, raise brood, and transform a wooden box into a thriving colony. That experience is invaluable.

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Why Italian Honey Bees?

Italian honey bees (Apis mellifera ligustica) are the most popular race in the United States—and for good reason. When you search for Italian bees for sale or Italian honey bees for sale, you’re looking for a bee that offers a remarkable combination of traits.

The Strengths of Italian Bees

Gentle Temperament
Italian bees are renowned for their calm and gentle nature, making them the ideal beginner bee. They’re forgiving of mistakes and a pleasure to work with. When I first started, having gentle bees made all the difference—I wasn’t afraid to open the hive, which meant I inspected more often and caught problems early.

Prolific Brood Production
Italian queens are prolific egg-layers with strong brood-rearing viabilities. They start brood rearing early in spring and continue late into fall, building large populations that translate into impressive honey harvests.

Excellent Honey Producers
Italian bees are superb foragers and excellent honey producers. They have a strong work ethic and efficiently collect nectar from available sources.

Brilliant White Cappings
Italian bees produce brilliant white cappings on their honey—a beautiful trait that makes comb honey highly marketable.

Clean and Hygienic
They’re excellent housekeepers with good hygienic behavior, helping keep disease at bay.

Lower Swarming Tendency
Italian bees have a lower swarming tendency than other subspecies, meaning fewer headaches for you.

The Weaknesses (Be Honest About These)

Italian bees aren’t perfect. Here’s what you need to know:

• Excessive brood rearing – They maintain brood production even when nectar is scarce

• High consumption of stores – They eat more during winter

• Prone to drifting – Weaker orientation means bees wander into other hives

• Inclined to robbing – They may steal from weaker colonies

• Susceptible to varroa mites – They lack the natural resistance of Russian bees

The Bottom Line: For most beekeepers—especially beginners in warmer climates with reliable nectar flows—Italian bees are the best choice. Their gentleness and productivity outweigh their weaknesses.

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Where to Buy Package Bees with Free Shipping

One of the biggest advantages of package bees is that they can be shipped directly to you. Many suppliers now offer free shipping package honey bees for sale across the United States, making it easier than ever to start your apiary.

Top Suppliers Offering Free Shipping

1. Lappe’s Bee Supply
Lappe’s offers free shipping on package bee orders to anywhere in the United States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska). They carry multiple breeds:

• Buckfast Package Bees – $199.95 with free shipping. Known for gentle temperament, high honey yield, and increased resistance to varroa and brood diseases.

• Carniolan Package Bees – With unmarked, mated queen. Excellent for colder climates and rapid spring buildup.

• Russian Hybrid Package Bees – Superior mite resistance and excellent wintering.

Shipping Details: Packages are shipped via USPS Ground Advantage and require pickup at your local post office.

2. Mann Lake
Mann Lake has been shipping honey bees across the USA for many years. Their Italian package bees include approximately 3 lbs of bees and a laying, open-air mated Italian queen.

Shipping Details: The price includes shipping. Packages are sent via USPS and require pickup at your local post office. Ship dates may fluctuate based on supplier availability.

3. Dadant & Sons
Dadant offers Italian honey bees for sale with a marked mated queen—a feature that makes finding your queen much easier. They also offer Italian package bees with vaccinated queens.

Shipping Details: Packages ship directly to your local post office. Insurance and shipping are included with every purchase.

4. Meyer Bees
Meyer Bees offers VSH Italian Package Bees with mated and laying VSH Italian queens. VSH (Varroa Sensitive Hygiene) is a valuable trait that helps bees detect and remove mite-infested brood.

Note: Meyer Bees offers pickup only at their Minooka, IL apiary—no shipping.

5. Olivarez Honey Bees (OHB)
A family-owned business with three generations of beekeeping expertise, OHB produces premium queens and package bees for beekeepers across the United States and Canada.

What to Look for in a Supplier

When searching for package bees for sale, here’s what I recommend checking:

1. Reputation – Look for suppliers with positive reviews in the beekeeping community

2. Health certifications – Ensure bees are inspected and disease-free

3. Queen origin – Ask where the queen comes from

4. Guarantees – Reputable suppliers offer refunds or replacements for dead bees

5. Insurance – Most reputable suppliers include insurance with every shipped package

Understanding the Dead Bee Policy

When you receive your package, some dead bees are normal—usually a thin layer on the bottom. However, most suppliers have a clear policy:

Mann Lake: Any package with 1½ inches or more of dead bees spread evenly on the bottom is eligible for a refund or replacement.

Lappe’s: Any package with 1½ inches or more of dead bees spread evenly on the bottom is eligible for a refund or replacement.

Take photos of the shipping label and the dead bees if you need to file a claim.

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When to Order Package Bees

Order early. This is one of the most important pieces of advice I can give you.

Most experts recommend ordering your bees in late fall or winter for spring delivery. The earlier you order, the easier it is to find the breed and package type you’re looking for.

Typical Shipping Timeline

• Order placed: Fall to early winter

• Ship date assigned: Based on your region and weather conditions

• Bees shipped: Spring (typically March through May)

• Arrival: 2-5 days after shipping

Important: Package bee orders are prepaid and subject to change or cancellation fees. Cancellations within 14 days of the ship date may incur a 50% fee.

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How to Prepare for Your Package Bees

The success of your package bees depends heavily on what you do before they arrive. Here’s my preparation checklist:

1. Have Your Equipment Ready

Before your bees arrive, make sure you have:

• A hive (Langstroth, top-bar, or Warre)

• Frames and foundation (wax or plastic)

• A hive stand (to keep the hive off the ground)

• A feeder (entrance feeder, frame feeder, or top feeder)

• Sugar (for making syrup)

• A bee suit or veil (safety first!)

• A smoker and fuel

• A hive tool

• A spray bottle with sugar syrup (for calming bees during installation)

Pro tip: Set up your hive before your bees arrive. Have everything in place so installation day is stress-free.

2. Choose the Right Location

Your hive needs:

• Morning sun (to get the bees active early)

• Afternoon shade (to prevent overheating in summer)

• Protection from wind (a windbreak helps)

• Access to water (bees need a nearby water source)

• Distance from foot traffic (keep people and pets safe)

3. Order Your Bees Early

I can’t stress this enough—suppliers sell out quickly. The most popular breeds (Italian, Carniolan, and Buckfast) are often the first to go. If you wait until spring to order, you may be disappointed.

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How to Install Package Bees: Step-by-Step

Installing package bees is exciting—and a little nerve-wracking. Here’s the exact process I use:

Step 1: Prepare Your Hive

Remove 4-5 frames from your hive to create space for the bees to cluster. This gives them room to settle in before they start building comb.

Step 2: Calm the Bees

Lightly spray the package screen with sugar syrup (one part white sugar to one part warm water). This calms the bees and gives them something to eat while you work.

Step 3: Remove the Feed Can

Carefully remove the can of sugar syrup from the package. Set it aside—you can use the remaining syrup to feed them later.

Step 4: Remove the Queen Cage

Locate the queen cage and remove it from the package. The queen is usually in a small wooden cage with a candy plug at one end.

Step 5: Install the Queen

Place the queen cage between two frames in the hive, with the screen facing outward and the candy plug accessible. The worker bees will eat through the candy and release the queen over 2-3 days. This slow release gives the colony time to accept her.

Alternative method: Some beekeepers release the queen immediately by removing the cork from the candy plug end and placing the cage directly in the hive. I prefer the slow-release method—it’s safer and reduces the risk of the queen being rejected.

Step 6: Install the Worker Bees

Gently shake the worker bees from the package into the hive. They’ll fall in a cluster at the bottom. Replace the frames you removed earlier, being careful not to crush any bees.

Step 7: Feed the Bees

Provide sugar syrup immediately. Package bees have no comb, no honey, and no pollen. They need food to start building comb and raising brood. Use a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio.

Step 8: Close the Hive

Put the inner cover and outer cover on the hive. Reduce the entrance to a small opening (about 1-2 inches) to help the bees defend their new home.

Step 9: Leave Them Alone

Don’t disturb the hive for 3-5 days. The bees need time to release the queen, start building comb, and establish themselves. Resist the urge to open the hive and check on them.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

After years of helping new beekeepers, I’ve seen the same mistakes over and over. Here’s what NOT to do:

❌ Mistake #1: Ordering Too Late

Waiting until spring to order means you’ll have limited options—or no options at all. Order in late fall or winter for the best selection.

❌ Mistake #2: Not Having Equipment Ready

Your bees will arrive on a specific date. If your hive isn’t set up, you’ll be scrambling. Prepare everything in advance.

❌ Mistake #3: Installing in Bad Weather

Don’t install bees in cold, rainy, or windy weather. They need warm, calm conditions to establish themselves. If the weather is bad, keep the package in a cool, dark place and wait for better conditions.

❌ Mistake #4: Not Feeding

Package bees arrive with zero comb, honey, or pollen. They need immediate feeding. Use a 1:1 sugar syrup and keep the feeder full until they start bringing in nectar.

❌ Mistake #5: Checking the Hive Too Often

I know it’s exciting, but leave the bees alone for at least 3-5 days. Every time you open the hive, you disrupt their progress. Let them build comb, release the queen, and start laying eggs before you inspect.

❌ Mistake #6: Ignoring the Dead Bee Policy

When your package arrives, check for dead bees immediately. If there’s more than 1½ inches of dead bees on the bottom, take photos and file a claim with the supplier.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Package Bees

How much do package bees cost?

Prices vary by breed and supplier. Italian package bees typically range from $130 to $200, with free shipping offered by many suppliers.

Can I get free shipping on package bees?

Yes! Many suppliers offer free shipping on package bee orders. Lappe’s Bee Supply, Mann Lake, and others include shipping in the price.

How many bees are in a 3-pound package?

A 3-pound package contains approximately 10,000 to 12,000 worker bees.

Are Italian package bees good for beginners?

Absolutely. Italian bees are gentle, productive, and forgiving of beginner mistakes. They’re the most popular choice for new beekeepers.

How long does it take for package bees to start laying eggs?

It typically takes 1-2 weeks for the queen to be released, mate (if she isn’t already mated), and start laying eggs. Most suppliers ship mated queens that are already laying.

What if my bees arrive dead?

Most reputable suppliers include insurance with every shipped package. If more than 1½ inches of dead bees are on the bottom, take photos and file a claim.

Can I pick up package bees locally instead of shipping?

Yes! Many suppliers offer local pickup at their apiaries. This can save on shipping costs and reduce stress on the bees.

What’s the difference between marked and unmarked queens?

A marked queen has a small dot of colored paint on her thorax, making her easier to find during inspections. Dadant offers Italian package bees with marked mated queens. Lappe’s and Mann Lake typically offer unmarked queens.

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Choosing the Right Breed for Your Region

While Italian bees are the most popular, different breeds excel in different conditions:

My recommendation for most beginners: Start with Italian bees. They’re gentle, productive, and widely available. Once you have a season or two under your belt, you can experiment with other breeds.

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Where to Buy Italian Package Bees

If you’re specifically looking for Italian bees for sale or Italian honey bees for sale, here are the top options:

With Free Shipping

Local Pickup Only

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Why Buy from Golden Hive Farm?

At Golden Hive Farm, we understand what it takes to start a successful apiary. We’re beekeepers first, and we bring that experience to everything we do.

When you purchase from us, you’re getting:

• Certified, healthy bees – Every package is inspected before it leaves our apiary

• Gentle, productive genetics – Our bees are bred for temperament and honey production

• Expert support – We’re here to help you succeed, not just sell you bees

• Quality you can trust – We stand behind our stock with a satisfaction guarantee

Visit us at https://goldenhivefarm.com/ to place your order or learn more. We’re here to help you start your beekeeping journey the right way.

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Conclusion: Your Beekeeping Journey Starts Here

Buying your first package of bees is a milestone. It’s the moment when months of planning, reading, and preparing finally pay off. And when you hear that first hum coming from your hive—when you see bees bringing in pollen and building comb—you’ll know it was all worth it.

Italian package bees offer the perfect combination of gentleness, productivity, and availability. They’re forgiving of beginner mistakes, productive in most climates, and a genuine pleasure to work with.

Remember: order early, prepare your equipment, and choose a reputable supplier. These three things will set you up for success.

Ready to start?

Visit https://goldenhivefarm.com/ to order your Italian package bees today. We offer certified, healthy bees with mated queens—everything you need to start your apiary off right.

Your bees are waiting. Let’s get started.

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Further Reading

• UF/IFAS Extension: Starting New Honey Bee Colonies – Packages vs. Nucs

• Betterbee: Pros and Cons of Packages vs. Nucs

• National Bee Unit: Package Bee Information

• Mann Lake: How to Install Bees

• Dadant & Sons: Package Bees for Sale

• Lappe’s Bee Supply: Installing Package Bees