I have built built my wooden ware and would be ready for the bees but I am concerned that it would be too late to get bees assuming I can find anyone offering them. I have heard that for Florida (I'm in Orlando) starting now shouldn't be a problem. I guess I'm looking for advice on whether to try to locate a couple of nucs and get started.
Dirk
bees were late this year for lots of people. reinbeau just hived packages. could do a nuc, or see if you can pick up a swarm. not to late i don't think.
Should not be a problem. Hardwood and some of the other Floridians may be able to give you more information on honey flows. The winters are not as rough as the northern states, so I would think a later start would not be as critical. Nevertheless, I would try to get started ASAP!
I would think you still have plenty of time. Maybe you could take a swarm off someones hands if you can't find any packages or nucs.
Where you are there should be no problems with starting out now. Given a choice though, I would go with a nuc from a reliable source to make sure you do not get any Africanized bees.
i started a hive from a nuc last july, granted i had to feed them some. but i am well north of you with much more severe winters and they made it ok.
Agreed; I caught a late swarm a few years ago in late July, early August. Had to feed but they made it through a North Wisconsin Winter and at least another one.
thomas
People in northern states can winter 5 frame nucs with a fair amount of success. I would think that in Florida you should not have a problem getting one started.
yrots; call Kevin Jester over in Oak Hill east of you. Usually always has nucs available at reasonable prices. In fact, I think he's selling them now at his summer prices which is a good bit less than the early spring prices. Phone 870-531-2373 or 870-243-1596. Email is
[email protected]. Don't worry about the time of year. We work them 12 months a year and if they do shut down brood laying it's only for short periods of cold weather in Nov-Dec. They start spring buildup in late Dec early Jan.
I am wondering if anyone has any idea on when it is to late to start a new beehive?
Good to go for a good bit yet. We make Nucs until Septemberish if needed.
Quote from: SwvaBeeman on July 08, 2016, 06:25:54 PM
I am wondering if anyone has any idea on when it is to late to start a new beehive?
Sure would be nice to have your location in your avatar. This question has so many answers compare to where you are.
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
Welcome SwvaBeeman. :happy: How late depends on where you are. In my area it's gatting late to start a hive and have it reach full size before winter. Although I may make a split or two this weekend.
Looks to me like he is in southwest Virginia. Pretty risky starting one this late in the mountains like that, but can be done.
At it seems like the final location maybe Orlando Florida.
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :smile:
Quote from: iddee on July 09, 2016, 09:53:13 AM
Looks to me like he is in southwest Virginia. Pretty risky starting one this late in the mountains like that, but can be done.
I was thinkin southern West Virginia. :)