How late is too late to start a new hive

[yrots]

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

[Kathyp]

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.

[joebrown]

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!

[L Daxon]

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.

[mikecva]

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.

[bulldog]

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.

[T Beek]

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

[VolunteerK9]

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.

[fish_stix]

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.

[SwvaBeeman]

I am wondering if anyone has any idea on when it is to late to start a new beehive?

[Barhopper]

Good to go for a good bit yet. We make Nucs until Septemberish if needed.

[Jim134]

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 :)

[cao]

Welcome SwvaBeeman.    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. 

[iddee]

Looks to me like he is in southwest Virginia. Pretty risky starting one this late in the mountains like that, but can be done.

[Jim134]

At it seems like the final location maybe Orlando Florida.

               BEE HAPPY Jim 134   

[yes2matt]

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. :)