• Why Care About Honey Bees?

    Without these adorable fuzzy (yes, they are fuzzy!) insects, our world wouldn't be the same. One bee can pollinate 5,000 flowers PER DAY! And that is why honey bees are counting on us to protect them. In today's ever changing enviroment, local forage is decreasing, new pests and diseases are showing their ugly face, AND herbicide tolerant crops are destroying pollinator habitats. Join our fight in protecting the bees!

  • What is raw honey?

    Honey in its raw form undergoes a gentle straining process before it's bottled up, no need for pasteurization or heating like your conventional grocery store honey. By sidestepping the heat, essential vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids stay locked in for ultimate health benefits.

  • Why do bees swarm?

    There are two reactions when people spot a bunch of bees on a tree: 1) freak out at the 'beepocalypse' in their yard. 2) get intrigued by the sight. But have no fear as these girls are simply passing through on their quest for a new abode. Honey bee swarms can frequently be captured without protective gear. This is due to their gentle disposition when they are without a hive to defend.

Is beekeeping under attack?!

FAQ: Pre-orders, shipping, beginner info

Q: Can I pre-order a queen bee or nuc for 2026?

Yes! Our 2026 spring queen bees and nucs are available for pre-order with local pickup in Hillsdale, MI. Reserve your bees early to ensure you get the colony you want.

Q: Is $50 full price or a deposit for pre-orders on your nucs?

For both nucs and queen bees, the price listed on our website is the deposit to reserve your bees. The remaining balance will be due at local pickup. For full details, please see each product’s description. :)

Q: When will I pay the remaining balance for a deposit pre-order?

If you pay a deposit, the remaining balance is due at the time of local pickup. We’ll send reminders via email or text so you know when your bees are ready.

Q: Do you ship bees?

No. All our nucs and queen bees are local pickup only in Hillsdale, MI at this time.

Q: What dates are pickup available?

2026 Spring Queen Bees: April 25th
2026 SpringNucs: May 9th

Both dates are weather depending.
We recommend planning ahead, as our bees sell out quickly!

Q: What should I bring for pickup?

Each nuc comes safely secured in a ProNuc box with added ventilation to keep your bees comfortable during transport. To ensure a smooth ride, we recommend bringing something to secure the box in your vehicle so it won’t tip over. Avoid placing the nuc in an enclosed trunk without airflow, as proper ventilation is essential for the bees’ safety.

Q: What makes your queens and nucs special?

Our queens are from carefully selected genetics, including the Latshaw lineage and our breeder queen Viplidoo.

They are:
- Hardy and well-adapted to Michigan winters
- Low food consumers
- Gentle and manageable
- Strong brood layers
- Productive honey makers
- Varroa-resistant

Our overwintered nucs are fully established small colonies with healthy brood, food stores, and a strong queen ready to thrive in your hive.

Q: What is a nuc?

A nucleus colony (nuc) is a small, established hive with 5 frames containing:
- Brood of every stage (2–3 frames)
- Honey and pollen stores (2 frames)
- 1 empty frame for expansion
- A healthy queen

Nucs are perfect for starting a new hive or strengthening an existing one.

Q: Are your bees treated for mites?

Yes! We carefully manage our colonies to keep mite levels well below threshold before selling a nuc, so you can start your hive off strong and healthy.

Q: I’m a beginner. Will your bees be easy to manage?

Yes! Our queens and nucs are selected for gentleness and manageability, making them perfect for new and experienced beekeepers alike.

Q: Do you provide guidance for installing and caring for my bees?

Absolutely! With every purchase, you’ll receive guidance on installation, feeding, and early-season management. Our blog and YouTube channel also provide step-by-step tutorials.

Q: What if me hive doesn't survive?

While we carefully select strong, resilient queens and colonies, beekeeping always involves risks. We do not guarantee survival due to uncontrollable factors like weather or disease, but we provide support and tips to maximize success.

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit/debit cards via Shopify Payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal where available in our online store.

For pick-up we only accept cash due to processing fees.

Q: Do you offer refunds?

Deposits are non-refundable unless we are unable to provide the queen or nuc you reserved. Full payments are final, but we work with buyers if unforeseen issues arise.

Q: How can I get in touch if I have questions?

You can email us at beefitbeekeeping@gmail.com or use the contact form on our website. We respond promptly and are happy to answer any beekeeping questions!