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Shop Nucs, Queens & Package Bees for starting new colonies, expanding an apiary, making splits or replacing queens. Lappe’s offers seasonal live-bee options including established nucleus colonies, naturally mated queen bees and 3 lb. packages in multiple honey bee breeds and hybrids.
Choose a nuc for an established colony with brood and drawn comb, a package for an economical way to start a new hive, or a mated queen for requeening and colony management. Availability, breeds, pickup locations and shipping options vary by season, so review each product page for current details before ordering.
Buying Guide: Live Honey Bees for Sale (USA) — Queens, Nucs & Package Bees
Updated for the 2026 beekeeping season.
Last updated: February 18, 2026
This guide supports the live-bee categories above and helps you choose between mated queen bees, 5-frame nucs, and 3-lb package bees, including shipping vs pickup, typical season windows, and beginner decision help.
Quick definitions (what “live honey bees for sale” means):
Mated queen bee: A laying-ready queen shipped in a cage with attendants (best for requeening or making splits).
5-frame nuc (nucleus colony): A small established colony on frames with a laying queen, brood in stages, and food stores (fastest startup when pickup is possible).
3-lb package bees: Loose worker bees plus a caged queen, installed into your hive and fed to help them draw comb and start brood (often the lowest upfront cost).
Why trust this guide
Written by: Lappe’s Bee Supply & Honey Farm LLC (serving beekeepers since 1978).
Updated: For the 2026 season; see “Last updated” date above.
Sources: Practical experience plus the external references linked below.
Primary references: USDA APHIS (interstate live-bee transport), NC State Extension (package installation temps), Purdue & Penn State Extension (queen/package handling), and MAAREC (nuc basics)—linked in “External references” below.
Policy note: Availability, shipping, and promotions vary by season and destination—always verify on the product page and at checkout.
Summary (read this first)
Fastest startup (pickup): Choose a 5-frame nuc.
Most commonly shipped option (in season): Choose a mated queen (overnight when available).
Lowest upfront cost (requires feeding): Choose a 3-lb package.
Policy verification step: Shipping eligibility and free-shipping promotions vary by season, destination, and product type. Always verify on the exact product page and confirm final eligibility at checkout.
Shipping snapshot (read this next)
Queens: Typically ship April–August from our operation by overnight service when carrier routes and weather allow.
Nucs: Typically pickup-only (brood and frames are sensitive in transit).
Packages: Often pickup-focused; limited regional shipping may be available depending on season and weather.
Always verify: Final shipping eligibility and any promotions are confirmed on the exact product page and at checkout.
Quick voice answers
What should a beginner buy? If you can pick up, a 5-frame nuc is usually the easiest start. If you need shipping, queens are most commonly shipped in season. If budget is priority, a 3-lb package can work well with consistent feeding.
Do I need to feed new bees? Often yes—especially packages—until comb is drawn and brood is expanding, or when nectar flow is light.
How do I confirm shipping or free shipping? Check the shipping note on the exact product page, then confirm at checkout.
Key facts (fast answers)
What you can buy: Mated queens, 5-frame nucs, and 3-lb package bees (seasonal).
Most commonly shipped live-bee option:Mated queen bees (typically overnight, in season).
Usually pickup-only:5-frame nucs (frames and brood are sensitive in transit).
Packages: Often pickup-focused; limited shipping may be available depending on season and weather.
Ordering tip: For best selection and pickup windows, order in fall through early spring.
Hawaii: Live-bee shipping is not offered due to agricultural restrictions and permitting requirements.
Policy verification step: Shipping eligibility and free-shipping promotions can change by season, destination, and product type. Always verify the details on the exact product page, then confirm final eligibility at checkout based on your address and the current promotion.
Table: Quick decision table (common questions)
If you’re asking…
Best match (typical)
Why
“What’s the fastest way to start a hive?”
5-frame nuc (pickup)
Established brood + drawn comb = fastest build-up.
“I need live bees shipped—what’s most common?”
Mated queen
Most commonly shipped live-bee option (overnight, in season).
“What’s the lowest upfront cost to start?”
3-lb package
Often lower upfront cost; requires feeding and comb building.
“My hive needs a new queen.”
Mated queen
Designed for requeening existing colonies and making splits.
Tip: On phones, swipe sideways on the table if needed.
If your colony is healthy but needs a replacement queen, browse our mated, laying-tested queen bees and compare Italian, Carniolan, Buckfast, Russian, and Cordovan options.
When do live honey bees sell out?
Direct answer: Live bees are seasonal, and popular pickup windows often reserve quickly as spring approaches. Timing varies by weather, production, and pickup location.
Important: The dates below are historical internal reservation snapshots from recent seasons—not a guarantee. Always check the exact product page and your cart/checkout for current availability.
5-frame nucs: In recent seasons, most inventory was reserved before April 15.
Package bees: In the most recent year, packages were sold out before April 1.
Queens: Overnight shipping is typically April–August (early-week shipping when possible).
Table: Historical sellout snapshot (internal reservations; dates vary by season)
Season
5-frame nucs (most inventory reserved by)
3-lb packages (sold out by)
Notes
2025
Before April 15
Before April 1
High-demand pickup windows reserved early.
2024
Before April 15
Varied (check product page)
Availability depended on season timing and inventory.
Tip: For the best breed selection and pickup windows, order in fall through early spring.
Direct answer: If pickup is possible, a 5-frame nuc is usually the easiest and fastest beginner start. If you need shipping, mated queens are most commonly shipped in season. If cost is priority, a 3-lb package can be a good choice with consistent feeding.
Quick rule: Choose a 5-frame nuc if pickup is possible and you want the fastest start; choose a 3-lb package if cost is the priority and you can feed consistently; choose a mated queen if you are requeening an existing hive or starting a split.
Do you already have a hive that needs a new queen?
Yes: Buy a mated queen.
No: Continue.
Can you pick up bees in person?
Yes: A 5-frame nuc is often the easiest and fastest start.
No: Continue.
Is your top priority the lowest upfront cost?
Yes: A 3-lb package can be a good choice if you can feed consistently.
No: If unsure, choose a 5-frame nuc when pickup is possible.
Compare: mated queen vs 5-frame nuc vs 3-lb package
Direct answer: A nuc is a small established colony on frames, a package is loose bees plus a caged queen, and a mated queen is for requeening or splits (not a full colony by itself).
Table: Compare queen vs nuc vs package
Feature
Mated Queen
5-Frame Nuc
3-lb Package
Best for
Requeening, splits
Fast colony establishment
Starting a new hive
What you receive
Queen + attendants in a cage
Frames with brood, stores, bees + laying queen
Worker bees + caged queen
Build-up speed
Immediate in an existing hive
Fastest
Slower (new brood cycle)
Typical delivery
Overnight (in season)
Pickup-only (typical)
Pickup or limited regional shipping
Beginner fit
Some experience helpful
Often easiest
Beginner-friendly with feeding
What is included?
Mated queen: One mated queen with attendants in a shipping cage.
5-frame nuc: Five deep frames with drawn comb, brood in stages, honey/pollen stores, worker bees, and a laying queen.
3-lb package: Approximately 3 pounds of worker bees (often about 10,000) plus a caged mated queen, with a ventilated package and syrup can for transport.
Compatibility: Nucs are typically provided on standard deep Langstroth frames; packages install into a prepared hive with frames/foundation.
Can live honey bees be shipped, or is it pickup only?
Direct answer: In most cases, mated queens are the most commonly shipped live-bee option (overnight, in season). Nucs are typically pickup-only, and packages may be pickup-focused with limited regional shipping depending on weather and seasonal logistics.
Regulatory note: Interstate live-bee movement guidance is summarized by USDA APHIS (linked below under External references).
Live-bee availability and shipping options vary by season, weather conditions, carrier service availability, and destination regulations. The most commonly shipped live-bee option is typically a mated queen bee during the warm-season shipping window.
Typical shipping patterns (in season)
Mated queens: Commonly shipped by overnight service during the primary shipping season when carrier service is available.
5-frame nucs: Typically offered as pickup to reduce stress on brood and frames during transport.
3-lb packages: Often pickup-focused; limited regional shipping may be available depending on weather and seasonal logistics.
Why are nucs usually pickup-only?
Nucs contain frames with brood and food stores that are sensitive to temperature swings and transit stress. Pickup helps protect colony health and improves early performance.
Policy verification step: Shipping eligibility and free-shipping promotions can change by season, destination, and product type. Always review the shipping details on the exact product page, then confirm final eligibility at checkout based on your address and current promotion status.
Hawaii: Live-bee shipping is not offered due to agricultural restrictions and permitting requirements. Beekeeping supplies can still ship to Hawaii.
Which honey bee breeds can you buy?
Common options include Italian, Carniolan, Buckfast, Russian, and Cordovan lines, plus seasonal stocks. Availability varies by season, inventory, and pickup location.
Which honey bee breed is best for beginners?
Direct answer: Many beginners choose Italian-type or Carniolan-type lines for gentleness, then select based on climate and management style.
Italian-type lines: Often chosen for gentle handling and consistent brood patterns.
Carniolan-type lines: Often chosen for gentleness and strong spring buildup, especially in cooler climates.
Note: Temperament and performance can vary by line and management; order based on your climate and goals.
What should you prepare before your bees arrive?
Direct answer: Have your hive assembled with frames, place it on a level stand, and have feeders and 1:1 syrup ready—especially for packages.
Level hive stand in a sunny, well-drained location
Feeders ready and 1:1 sugar syrup available
Protective gear (veil, gloves as needed), smoker and fuel
When should I install my bees in spring?
Direct answer: Install when conditions are reliably warm enough for safe handling and feeding—many beekeepers wait until days are consistently mild; some guidance suggests ~65°F, while others install earlier with careful feeding and wind protection.
Follow local extension guidance for your area. Southern states often install in March–April, while Midwest and northern states typically install April–May, depending on bloom timing and local weather.
How soon will my new colony need more space?
Direct answer: In strong spring conditions, many first-year colonies add a second deep within about 3–4 weeks after installation—add space based on comb draw and brood expansion.
How do you install a 5-frame nuc?
Set the hive stand level and place the bottom board and brood box.
Transfer frames from the nuc into your hive in the same order and orientation.
Add remaining frames to fill the box and maintain proper bee space.
Feed 1:1 syrup if nectar flow is light or nighttime temperatures are cool.
Check in 7–10 days for eggs and young larvae as a sign the queen is laying.
What should you do in the first week after installation?
Feed consistently when nectar is limited to support comb building and brood rearing.
Confirm queen acceptance and laying by looking for eggs and young larvae.
Keep inspections short and inspect during warm parts of the day to avoid chilling brood.
Reduce stressors: manage drafts and moisture, use an entrance reducer as needed, and avoid moving the hive.
Which states can you ship queen bees to?
Short answer: Queen bees are shipped to most of the 48 contiguous states and Alaska when permitted and when overnight carrier service is available. Shipping eligibility depends on seasonal conditions, carrier routing, and applicable agricultural regulations.
Shipping regulations for live bees are subject to change. Always verify current eligibility before ordering.
Verification step: Review the specific product page for current shipping details, then confirm final eligibility at checkout based on your address. Live-bee shipping is not available to Hawaii due to agricultural restrictions.
We ship mated queen bees to the continental United States. Orders of 3+ queens qualify for free UPS Next Day Air shipping.
Hawaii is excluded for live queen bee shipments. Beekeeping supplies can ship to Hawaii.
► Northeast
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
► Southeast
Alabama
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Maryland
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia
► Midwest
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
North Dakota
Ohio
South Dakota
Wisconsin
► Southwest
Arizona
Arkansas
Louisiana
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Texas
► West
California
Colorado
Idaho
Montana
Nevada
Oregon
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
► Alaska
Queens may ship to Alaska depending on seasonal conditions and carrier service availability.
Alaska
Note: We cannot ship live queen bees to Hawaii. Beekeeping supplies can ship to Hawaii.
Do you serve all 99 Iowa counties?
Lappe’s Bee Supply serves beekeepers in all 99 Iowa counties with supplies and seasonal live-bee pickup.
► Northwest
Buena Vista
Calhoun
Cherokee
Clay
Crawford
Dickinson
Emmet
Harrison
Ida
Lyon
Monona
O'Brien
Osceola
Palo Alto
Plymouth
Pocahontas
Sac
Sioux
Woodbury
► Northeast
Allamakee
Black Hawk
Bremer
Buchanan
Butler
Cerro Gordo
Chickasaw
Clayton
Delaware
Dubuque
Fayette
Floyd
Howard
Jackson
Jones
Linn
Mitchell
Winnebago
Winneshiek
Worth
► Central
Boone
Dallas
Franklin
Greene
Grundy
Guthrie
Hamilton
Hancock
Hardin
Humboldt
Iowa
Jasper
Kossuth
Marshall
Marion
Polk
Story
Tama
Warren
Webster
Wright
► Southwest
Adair
Adams
Audubon
Cass
Clarke
Decatur
Fremont
Lucas
Madison
Mills
Monroe
Montgomery
Page
Pottawattamie
Ringgold
Shelby
Taylor
Union
Wayne
► Southeast
Appanoose
Benton
Carroll
Cedar
Clinton
Davis
Des Moines
Henry
Jefferson
Johnson
Keokuk
Lee
Louisa
Mahaska
Muscatine
Poweshiek
Scott
Van Buren
Wapello
Washington
Glossary of live honey bee terms
Mated queen
A queen that has mated and is capable of laying fertilized eggs; used for requeening or starting splits.
Nuc (nucleus colony)
A small established colony on frames, typically including brood in stages, food stores, worker bees, and a laying queen.
3-lb package
A ventilated box containing loose worker bees plus a caged mated queen; installed into a prepared hive.
Queen acceptance
The colony’s successful adoption of a new queen, typically confirmed when she is released and begins laying.
Laying queen
A mated queen that is actively laying eggs. Seeing fresh eggs and young larvae is a common sign a colony has a healthy laying queen.
Brood pattern
The visible layout of eggs, larvae, and capped brood on a frame. A strong brood pattern is often consistent and well-filled, with fewer empty cells in the brood area.
Bee space
The small gap bees naturally maintain between comb surfaces and hive parts so they can move freely (about 3/8 inch). Proper bee space helps prevent excess comb or propolis buildup and keeps frames removable.
Wax comb that bees have already built on frames, allowing faster brood rearing and food storage.
Requeening
Replacing a colony’s queen to improve performance, temperament, or colony health.
Split
Creating a new colony from an existing one by dividing bees and resources, typically with a queen introduced or raised.
FAQ
Do live honey bees sell out?
Direct answer: Often, yes—popular pickup windows and live-bee inventory can reserve quickly as spring approaches. For the most accurate availability, check the specific product page and your cart/checkout for current options.
What is the difference between a nuc and a package of bees?
Direct answer: A nuc is an established colony on frames; a package is loose bees plus a caged queen that must draw comb and start brood after installation.
Which live honey bees ship most often in the USA?
Direct answer: Mated queen bees are the most commonly shipped live-bee option (typically overnight in season when carrier service is available).
How long does it take a package of bees to build up?
Direct answer: Many packages show noticeable expansion within about 3–4 weeks with consistent feeding and suitable weather, but timing varies.
Do you ship live bees to Hawaii?
Direct answer: No. Live-bee shipping is not offered due to agricultural restrictions and permitting requirements. Beekeeping supplies can still ship to Hawaii.
How do I confirm if shipping or free-shipping promotions apply to my order?
Direct answer: Check the shipping note on the exact product page, then verify at checkout. Checkout confirms final eligibility based on your address, season, and the current promotion.
Shipping & free shipping policy (source of truth)
Most beekeeping supplies ship free on $100+ orders to the lower 48 (exclusions may apply).
Orders of 3+ mated queens qualify for free shipping to eligible destinations (in-season).
