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 order@jesterbee.com. 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.