3 lb Package Bees
Italian / Carniolan Mix
Local Pickup Only — Chester County, PA
Start a new hive or replace winter losses with 3 lb package bees from Exton Bee Company, carefully prepared for local spring installation in Pennsylvania. Each package includes 10,000+ healthy worker bees and a mated queen, ready to be introduced to a prepared hive.
Unlike large national shippers, our package bees are distributed locally by scheduled pickup, minimizing transport stress and supporting stronger early colony establishment.
What Are Package Bees?
A package of honey bees is a starter colony designed for establishing a new hive. Packages typically include:
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Approximately 3 lb of worker bees (10,000+ bees)
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A young, mated queen
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Bees ready for immediate installation into a prepared hive
Package bees are commonly used by:
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New beekeepers starting their first colony
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Experienced beekeepers replacing winter losses
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Beekeepers expanding their apiary in spring
Once installed, the queen typically begins laying eggs within about one week, and the colony builds strength through the spring nectar flow.
Why Choose Exton Bee Company Package Bees?
Local Pickup = Healthier Bees
We do not ship live bees. All package bees are distributed by local pickup only, reducing transit time, temperature stress, and handling risks associated with long-distance shipping.
Local pickup allows bees to spend less time confined and more time building strength in their new hive.
Selected for Pennsylvania Locations
Our packages feature an Italian / Carniolan mix, chosen for:
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Gentle temperament
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Strong early spring population growth
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Efficient foraging
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Proven performance in Mid-Atlantic climates
This combination works well for both new and experienced beekeepers.
Straightforward, Transparent Process
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Clear pricing
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Defined pickup dates
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No shipping delays or post office handling
What you order is exactly what you pick up.
Pickup & Installation Timing
Package bees are available by scheduled spring pickup:
Available pickup dates:
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March 28, 2026
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April 4, 2026 (early pickup available 4/3)
Many beekeepers prefer early April installations, as daytime and overnight temperatures are typically more stable, allowing for a smoother installation and reduced early feeding stress.
Feeding & Early Care
New package bees should be fed immediately after installation.
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Use a 1:1 sugar-to-water syrup
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Continue feeding until comb is drawn and natural forage is established
Proper feeding supports comb building and helps the queen begin laying reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bees are in a 3 lb package?
A 3 lb package contains approximately 10,000 to 12,000 worker bees, depending on individual bee size.
How quickly will my bees establish?
After installation:
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Comb building begins immediately
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Queens typically start laying within about one week
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Colony strength builds over several weeks depending on weather and forage
When should I install my package bees?
Install as soon as possible after pickup into a fully prepared hive to allow bees to acclimate and begin colony development without delay.
Are the queens mated?
Yes. Each package includes a mated, laying queen.
Do you ship package bees?
No. All bees are available by local pickup only. We do not ship live bees.
Ready to Order? Click here.
3 lb package bees are available in limited quantities each season.
Please choose your preferred pickup date and ensure your hive is fully prepared before pickup.