FAQ’s

  • The website is the primary point of contact and includes answers to most questions.
    Please review the website and FAQ before reaching out.
    If you’re unable to find your answer on the website or FAQ, you’re welcome to call or text 816-739-0726. You can also email at: kcbeelady@yahoo.com

  • KC Bee Lady is an online - home based - business.

    Honey is available at our retail locations, each with their own store hours.
    We also offer porch pickup in Belton, Missouri, as well as delivery within those cities as well.
    All bee sales are handled online through kcbeelady.com.

  • The best place to start is the “Introduction to Beekeeping” class on kcbeelady.com.

    It provides the foundation needed to successfully begin beekeeping and prepares you for purchasing bees and equipment.

  • Bee sales begin in the fall for pickup the following spring (typically April–May).
    Availability is limited each season. If bees are still in stock, they can be ordered online through kcbeelady.com.  

  • Plan for at least 2 hours per month for two hives, with inspections twice a month.

    Regular inspections are essential—you cannot leave a hive unattended. During inspections, you don’t need to pull every frame. Focus on looking for eggs, which confirm the queen has been present within the last 3–4 days.

    The #1 tip for new beekeepers: look for eggs. The queen can be difficult to spot, but eggs tell you everything you need to know.

  • No. We do not ship bees! Bees are pickup only!

  • We sell Italian and Minnesota Hygienic Italian honeybees.

    Minnesota Hygienic bees are bred to detect and remove diseased brood, helping reduce certain hive diseases.

    Queens are open-mated, so they are not 100% pure.

    These bees are not mite-resistant—mite treatment is still required.

  • No. Orders must be placed through the website.

  • No. Bees are only reserved once payment has been made.

  • A nuc (nucleus colony) is an established hive, typically about half the size of a full hive. It includes a laying queen, drawn comb, and frames with brood and stored honey.

    A package is a box of loose bees with a queen who has not yet been introduced to the colony. After installation, the bees must build comb, establish the hive, and accept the queen before the colony can begin growing.

    While packages are often available earlier in the season, they are typically shipped from warmer southern states. In Kansas and Missouri, early spring temperatures can still drop below freezing, which can result in significant loss.

    For this reason, we offer locally suited nucs, which give beekeepers a stronger and more reliable start. We do not sell package bees.

  • No, we do not sell package bees.

    Packages are typically shipped from southern states where the climate is much warmer. When they arrive in Kansas and Missouri in early spring, temperatures can still be unpredictable. This can lead to stress, loss, or overheating during transport.

    For this reason, we focus on selling locally sourced nucs that are better suited for our climate.

  • Yes, bees can often be kept in residential areas.

    However, local ordinances, HOA rules, and property size restrictions vary by location. Always check your local regulations before purchasing bees.

  • No, we do not sell queens.

  • Yes, when available. Current bee inventory and purchasing options are listed on the website.

  • Maybe.

    Starting with a full hive in May increases your chances, but honey production depends on nectar sources and weather.

    Focus on building a strong hive in year one—honey is more reliable in year two.

  • Absolutely.

    Your nuc or hive will be carefully prepared for transport so it’s ready for your trip home. Bees travel very well and can safely remain in a vehicle for several hours.
    We frequently work with customers traveling from several hours away and even out of state.

  • No. Equipment is sold as part of complete kits only.
    Occasionally, extra items may be available, but inventory is limited.

  • No. All orders must be placed online through kcbeelady.com.

    We accept online payment, Venmo, or mailed checks.

    Any remaining balance at pickup must be paid in cash.

    We do not offer in-person shopping or walk-in payments.

  • No. For cut-outs, extractions, swarms outside our area, or anything non-honeybee related, contact Midwest Bee Removal at 816-217-4214.

  • At this time, we do not offer tours.
    We focus on serving customers through our products and educational classes.

  • Our nucs and single box hives use standard Langstroth size frames. Frame dimensions: 19" L x 9-1/8" H (1-1/16" wide).

    If your Flow Hive uses standard Langstroth equipment and matches those measurements, it will fit.

    Please note: we do not sell, endorse, recommend, or provide support for Flow Hives. This includes advising what equipment to purchase or confirming compatibility with our single box hives or nucs.

    If you have questions about Flow Hive equipment, contact Flow Hive directly.

  • Yes, over time.

    After a hive survives winter, it can often be split into additional hives in the spring, which can be sold as nucs. Honey and wax products can also provide income.

    While it takes time, beekeeping can grow into a self-sustaining hobby.

  • Bee support is reserved for customers.

    If you did not purchase bees from us and need assistance, please order a consultation through kcbeelady.com.

  • No. Bee support is not provided through Facebook comments, Messenger, or public posts.

  • No. Honey is sold through the website and through the vendors listed on kcbeelady.com.