Live Bee Order Policy

By placing an order with Bemis Honey Bee Farm, you acknowledge and accept our policies, terms, and conditions. We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. 

***Pickup***

While it is unlikely, the pickup date for live bees may be rescheduled due to production delays caused by weather or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. If this occurs, you will be notified as soon as possible. The bee pickup procedure instructions will be emailed closer to the pickup date. We do not ship packages or nucs. 

Packages and nucs will be picked up rain or shine. Please be aware that the pickup times for packages and nucs are different, so be sure to check the specific times for each. Bees may not be picked up before the scheduled date or time—no exceptions.

Orders that are canceled or modified will not qualify for a full refund. No refunds will be issued for orders changed or canceled less than three weeks before the scheduled pickup date. Due to the welfare of the bees, nucs that are not picked up within five days after the scheduled pick-up date will be forfeited without a refund, and package bees that are not picked up within three days after the scheduled pickup date will be forfeited without a refund.

***Nucs***

Bemis Honey Bee Farm is committed to providing a healthy nucleus colony (nuc) that includes five frames, four of which contain drawn-out comb, brood at various stages of development, an unmarked fertile queen, and stored food. Each nuc undergoes an inspection and is certified by a state bee inspector to be in good health before pickup. Additionally, all nucs are treated for Varroa mites. 

We do not guarantee the survival or success of a nuc once it has left our possession. You should install and inspect your nuc within 72 hours of pickup. Should any concerns arise regarding your nuc, you must contact us within this 72-hour and provide photographic documentation to be considered for a refund or replacement. 

By purchasing a nuc, you acknowledge and accept that we cannot be held accountable for the well-being, survival, or productivity of any hive established from the nuc once it is in your possession. Refunds or replacements will not be provided for nucs that fail to thrive or perish after they have left our possession. If you encounter any challenges, please contact us for support.

***Package Bees***

It’s important to note that finding up to 1 to 1½ inches of dead bees spread evenly across the bottom of your package is a common occurrence. This is due to the natural lifespan of worker bees, the timing of their entry into the package, and the stress they may experience during transit. To ensure your satisfaction, our suppliers include a few extra bees in each package to offset these losses. Upon receiving your package, we encourage you to inspect it carefully. If you notice any issues and determine the package is unacceptable, please request a replacement at that time. Know that the health and number of bees may decline if the package is not picked up on the scheduled pickup date. Packages picked up after the scheduled pickup date are not eligible for replacement. When starting a package on undrawn frames, the colony’s population is expected to decrease until comb is constructed for the queen to begin laying eggs.

At Bemis Honey Bee Farm, we guarantee that your package will include a fertile, marked queen. While we strive for the best outcomes, we cannot guarantee the successful establishment of a colony from the package or its acceptance of the queen. You agree that once you have picked up your package, Bemis Honey Bee Farm cannot be held responsible for the condition of the bees in your possession or the survival and productivity of the hive you establish. We also do not provide refunds or replacements for package bees that do not thrive or die after you receive them. However, if you encounter any challenges, please contact us for support.

***Support***

We wish you and your new colony of bees all the best! Beekeeping is a rewarding and challenging endeavor that will inspire a constant thirst for knowledge. If you are new to beekeeping or need a refresher, we have online instructional videos on installing a package or a nuc to help you get started correctly. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us. We are here and excited to help you achieve success in your beekeeping journey!      

(501)897-BEES      [email protected]