Italian Queens are the cornerstone of OHB’s breeding program. We select for practical field performance: gentle temperament, strong honey production, reliable brood expansion, and solid overwintering. Our breeder work incorporates hygienic traits (e.g., VSH / Minnesota Hygienic influences) to support colony health and mite awareness.
📅 Seasonal Availability: Package bees are produced and shipped late March through mid-May only. Outside of this window, products remain visible for reference but are not available for purchase.
Why Italian
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Gentle & workable: handler-friendly colonies that are easy to manage.
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Productive & consistent: dependable brood pattern and honey yields across diverse regions.
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Hygienic focus: selection pressure for hygienic behavior to support parasite/disease management.
What You Get
- ~3 lbs of healthy bees
- 1 mated, marked Italian queen
- 1 feed can for transit
- USPS Priority Mail Hold for Pickup at your designated Post Office (bring ID)
Shipping & Pickup (USPS)
Your bees ship Hold for Pickup to your local Post Office (not to your home). USPS plants process mail daily; pick up promptly once tracking shows Available for Pickup or when your Post Office calls. Packages are labeled for live bees per USPS rules.
Quick FAQ
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How do I know where to pick up? USPS Hold for Pickup routes to your designated Post Office. Confirm with the USPS Location Tool.
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Will my bees survive a weekend/holiday delay? Yes — shipped with feed to last several days. Prompt pickup reduces stress and ensures best results.
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What if my package arrives in poor condition? Take photos immediately and contact us within 24 hours — our live-arrival policy has you covered.
📄 See our full USPS Direct Packages FAQ.