Acquiring bees for your hives…Humboldt County
Humboldt County Beekeepers Association does not sell or coordinate bee purchases. Several local and regional providers sell bees, see below.
To reserve package bees and queens (Italian, Carniolan, Russian -Carniolan bees from California-based quality suppliers) Contact: Brad and Linnette Woodward at email: artofbeekeeping@gmail.com or call (707)496-9707.
To reserve nucleus (“Nuc”) colonies (Calif & Pacific Northwest sources) contact Justin Reeve at email: justinmreeve87@gmail.com Tel: (707) 502-9611.
Contact the breeders or your local group order contact person to determine ordering deadlines and availability. It is wise to reserve “nuc” colonies or package bees months in advance or participate in a group order.
Package bees and nucs are typically available from commercial breeders in early -late Spring. Attend local HCBA monthly meetings & follow social media to check availability. Queens typically become available Apr/May and available thru August from commercial bee breeders (typically California Central Valley areas, Washington & Oregon). Local Humboldt County queens/nucs typically available in late Spring thru August. Keep an eye on the HCBA Facebook page.
Commercial Suppliers
C.F. KOEHNEN & SONS, INC., Glenn, CA, Tel: 530-891-5216 Italian & Carniolan
OLD SOL APIARIES, Rogue River, OR., Tel: (541) 582-2337, Email: oldsolbees@gmail.com, Old World Caucasian & “Survivor” stock
OLIVEIRA’S HONEY BEES, Orland, CA, Tel: (877) 865-0298, Email: info@ohbees.com, Italian & Carniolan
TABER’S HONEY BEE GENETICS, Vacaville, CA Tel: 707-449-0440. Carniolan-Russian & Italian
A&Bee Provisions, Nucs available, use code (CLUBNUC10) before Feb 1st for $10 discount per nuc.
Equipment Suppliers
Support a local business!
A & L Feed, McKinleyville, CA, carries equipment, books, foundation, etc.
Lost Coast Hay, Myrtle Ave., Eureka, CA, Tel: 707-497-6927, Local woodenware & other equipment.
Woodlyn Brand Beehive Supplies, Loleta, CA. Tel: (707) 496-9707, Email: Artofbeekeeping@gmail.com High quality locally made woodenware & equipment. They also offer a course on “Sustainable Beekeeping”.
Statewide & beyond
Dadant & Sons, Inc. Full range of supplies. Shipping is fast if ordered by phone from the Chico, CA store.
Mann Lake, Ltd. Full range of supplies. Shipping is fast if ordered from the Woodland, CA store.