The purpose of this page is to promote local member beekeepers and their products and services. The alphabetical listing does not constitute endorsement of any particular producer or seller and the Club does not accept any responsibility in the event of “issues”. Caveat emptor!
*As required by the BC Bee Act, all sellers agree to provide inspection reports where required for bees and used equipment, and all buyers will request a copy of the report to be provided at time of sale.*
BC Bee Act: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/rs/rs/96029_01
QUESTIONS THE BUYER SHOULD ASK THE SELLER…
1- How many frames are in the nuc? What size are the frames? How much brood of all ages is in the nuc? What colour is the comb in the nuc? (In BC, nucs are typically 3 frames of brood of all ages, with bees covering the frames, plus 1 frame of honey and pollen. Dark comb is older and can hide pathogens.)
2- How old is the queen? What do you know about her genetic background? Is she marked? Is she an overwintered survivor? A current-year import? Or something else? If she is new, is she productive/was she well mated? How long has she been laying? (Queens are usually overwintered or new that spring. A new queen should not be sold until she has proven herself with a satisfactory brood pattern.)
3- Will the nuc be delivered or picked up? When will the nuc be available? Is there a deposit on the nuc box? When is it payable?
4- Has the nuc been inspected by a government inspector for disease and Varroa levels? Will it be inspected? When? Inspection certificate available?
QUESTIONS THE SELLER SHOULD ASK THE BUYER (BECAUSE THEY WANT THE BEES THEY SELL TO SURVIVE…!)
1- Have you already taken a beekeeping course? (If not, do you plant to take a course? When? If you are not planning on taking a course, how do you plan to educate yourself about amazing Apis mellifera and hive management?
2- What is your plan for Varroa control?
3- Do you have a mentor or have you joined a Club?
There are a range of factors to consider before making a decision to purchase local bees (in a nuc) or imported bees (in a package). The greatest advantage of a nuc purchase is that you end up with bees that have evolved over generations to do well in our wet coastal climate. In addition, you are supporting local beekeepers and their products.
Nucs vs. packages:
https://strathconabeekeepers.blogspot.com/2020/02/honey-bee-nucs-vs-packages.html
Health of local bees vs. imports:
https://entomologytoday.org/2014/07/15/are-local-honey-bees-healthier-than-imports/
You may have a “great opportunity” to purchase someone’s used equipment…. Is it a good idea? That depends. Review these articles to get a clearer idea on when used equipment might be a wise purchase. But if you are beginner beekeeper, you will probably enjoy your first year more if you start with all new hive components.
https://www.buzzaboutbees.net/used-beekeeping-equipment.html
The Comox Valley Bee Club does not endorse any suppliers. This list is for members’ convenience only.
CLUB MEMBER BEEKEEPERS WITH PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (Alphabetical listing)
Deborah Acheson (North Courtenay), 250-920-6360, https://www.smithlakefarm.com/
Selling: Overwintered nucs, queen cells, honey, beekeeper education course, mentoring, agritourism / glamping with the bees
Randy Churchill (Courtenay), randychurchill@me.com
Selling: two new complete hives, fully assembled (two 10-frame deeps, bottom board, inner cover and telescoping cover for each hive), plus 4 top feeder boxes.
Rachel Halliwell (North Courtenay), https://www.homegrownbee.ca/
Selling: Equipment and supplies, medication, nucs, education, inspections
Larry Lindahl (Lake Cowichan), 250-749-6425
Selling: Used equipment (10-frame deeps, mediums, honey supers, lids, outer covers PLUS a few 8-frame outer [telescoping] covers).
Julie Matthews (Black Creek), 778-585-1335, julieontheseashore@gmail.com
Selling: Nucs, queens, 1:1 education and mentoring
Stan and Cheryl Reist (Nanaimo), http://www.flyingdutchman.ca
Selling: Complete beekeeping supplies, honey sales
Email us if you are a Club member and would like to be added to this local supplier list.
The list is updated on a regular basis, but your information may not be posted or removed immediately.
CLUB MEMBER BEEKEEPERS WHO WILL HAVE EXCESS SPRING BEES OR NUCS (Alphabetical Listing)
Selling: Overwintered nucs (ready in mid-May); current year nucs and mated queens (ready in mid-June).
The list is updated on a regular basis, but your information may not be posted or removed immediately.
OTHER SITES FOR BC BEE SALES:
BC Bee Breeders’ Association (many breeders are located on Vancouver Island):
https://bchoneyproducers.ca/bc-beebreeders/bcbba-members-2/#VancouverIsland
BCHPA (Bees and queen sales): https://bchoneyproducers.ca/info-for-beekeepers/suppliers-buyers-sellers-index/bees-queens/
You can also search Vancouver Island Bee Sales and Van Isle and Gulf Island Bee Network on social media.