Beekind is your go-to spot for bees and beekeeping supplies in Sonoma County.

Beekeepers can depend on Beekind® in Sebastopol to begin their beekeeping journey.

Learn about the bees we sell seasonally, pre-order packaged bees online, and explore beekeeping supplies. Come visit us in-store for guidance and hands-on help selecting what you need.

Doug Vincent Beekind photo by Maria Shayna Tzouvelekis

Bees on Sale Now

Each January, we open orders for 3-pound packages of worker bees complete with an open-mated queen. Orders must be placed in advance to be picked up in April.

Order Bees

Beekeeping Supplies

From bee suits to boxes, make sure you have the supplies you and your bees will need to thrive. Get help understanding the components of a hive and download our brochure.

Explore Supplies

Education & More

Whether you're a seasoned keeper or just deciding whether beekeeping is right for you, get familiar with extensive resources and education for beekeeping in California.

Find Resources

About our Package Bees

At Beekind, our bees are more than just livestock. Each beekeeping customer can depend on Beekind for support, supplies, and quality bees raised with decades of beekeeping experience in Sonoma County’s unique climate.

Since opening our Sebastopol storefront in 2004, we’ve partnered with third-generation beekeepers in Capay Valley to source vigorous Italian and Carniolan stock. In 2012, we began raising our own Local Stock, mixed-breed daughter queens from our favorite colonies right here in Sonoma County for unmatched adaptation to our microclimate.

Whether you choose our hardy Local Stock, early-foraging Italians, or cold-tolerant Carniolans, you’re getting bees selected for strength, productivity, and resilience.

Bees are available to preorder online (recommended), by phone, or in-store until sold out. All bees must be picked up on your selected April bee pick up weekend. Explore the options below, and order bees today!

Explore our Bees

Learn more about your choice in genetics. Each 3-lb colony comes with a young queen, open mated in Capay valley (40 miles east of Santa Rosa) with commercial drones.

Local Stock

Mixed breed daughters of queens that have been successful in Sonoma County, Beekind's locally adapted stock have been untreated for several years living in California Coastal climate.

Italian

Italians are ideal for temperate Mediterranean climates and known for their large numbers and ability to capitalize on early nectar flows, helping your hive ramp up quickly.

Carniolan

Ideal in cooler or higher altitude climates, Carniolans are known for overwintering in small clusters and adjust brood production responsively, so they won’t overextend your stores in colder spells.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about how reservations work, where to pick up, or your responsibilities once you take home your bees? Explore the topics on the right, or visit our bee order form for all the details.

Have further questions about bees? Contact us here!

View Full Terms & Order Bees

Orders must be placed and paid in full before pickup—your spot will be confirmed by email.

We do not ship live bees; all packages must be picked up in-person at our Sebastopol store either day of your selected weekend (last two weekends of April). Pick up weekend must be selected at the time of your order.

To manage traffic, we may send you a booking form to reserve a pick up time slot within your selected weekend. Please note: The booking system is only for traffic management. We don't track whether you arrive at your booked time, so you do not need to call to notify us of your pickup time even if you cannot find a booking slot that works for you.

Bees are sold as live livestock—once you take them home, you assume all risks related to transport, installation, and hive management.

Any cancellations or modifications to your reservation may incur a fee—full details will be included in your launch notification.

Our package bees are treated for mites, selected for mite resistance, and mated for high genetic diversity. Plus, we email tips and reminders for inspecting and monitoring your bees, giving you the best shot at a successful first year of beekeeping. Beekind does not sell or give advice regarding insecticide mite treatment.

Ready to Become a Beekeeper?

Order your package bees while supplies last, and select a weekend to pick up your bees in April.

Order Bees

Beekeeping 101

Watch our Intro to Beekeeping Video

Join our beginner-friendly video series and learn the essentials about honeybees and beekeeping in Northern California, from hive placement to honey harvest.

Learn the basics of honeybee biology and backyard beekeeping
Designed for beginners & helpful for returners
Covers equipment, terminology, and must-know first steps
Decide whether beekeeping is right for you!

Explore the Intro Lecture

Beekeeping Supplies

Before you pick up your bees, make sure you have everything they need to grow. Learn about best practice needs, explore basic hive set ups, and download our supply catalogue. Plus, sign up for our email list to be notified when online ordering is available for beekeeping supplies.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve tended hives for years, Beekind in Sebastopol is your trusted local source for high-quality beekeeping supplies. Our team will help you choose the right gear, understand the seasonal needs of your bees, and feel confident managing your hives.