looking for bee packages in Knoxville tn

**mnadeau** · 02-01-2013, 08:03 PM

Hello,
My name is mike nadeau. I just moved to knoxville tn from mobile al. I lost my last hive last summer do to hive beattles. I am looking to start some new colonys this spring and dont know the area. I am preferrably looking for natural/ organic bees.

**Rader Sidetrack** · 02-01-2013, 08:23 PM

Welcome to Beesource!

Arnold Honeybee Services in Knoxville offers locally raised packages:
http://www.arnoldhoneybeeservices.com/

I bought 2 packages last year and are very pleased with them.

**mnadeau** · 02-01-2013, 08:28 PM

Thank you, i hope to try to get 6 to 8 packages.

Can you tell me do you all have problems with hive bettles thos far north?

**Rader Sidetrack** · 02-01-2013, 08:34 PM

There are certainly hive beetles in my hives, but I have not had a significant problem with them.

**mnadeau** · 02-01-2013, 08:39 PM

Well i hope we do better here. The heat and humidity just desimated our hives over the last couple of years. We had 1 last hive last summer and as soon i extracted the honey bettles won the battle.

**gunter62** · 02-01-2013, 08:39 PM

We definitely have a shb problem in Tennessee. I'm sure it's not as bad as Mobile, but they will easily take down a weak hive or nuc very quickly. I lost several splits last year.

**mnadeau** · 02-01-2013, 08:43 PM

Well crap guess we will see. Any idea what arnold is or was charging for packages?

**Beev** · 02-01-2013, 08:45 PM

Another source that is taking package orders is Smokey Ridge Apiaries, 368 O’Dell Rd. Maryville, TN 37801, (865)984-5393. I have also bought packages from Arnolds in the past and have been pleased with them, but he got them from Georgia. Don't know what Arnolds is charging this year but Smokey Ridge is getting $86 for #3.

**mnadeau** · 02-01-2013, 08:49 PM

Are these chemical free?

**Beev** · 02-01-2013, 08:51 PM

No idea, just have to call and ask. Good luck.

**ckannmacher** · 02-01-2013, 11:19 PM

You may try http://www.wolfcreekbees.com/index.htm located in Tennessee. They appear to have "organic" bees and are 4.9 size. I have no dealings with them and only know about them from their site.

**Major** · 02-01-2013, 11:20 PM

Welcome to Tn mike, not sure if its something you are interested in but I'll have nucs in early may hopefully. I live about 45 miles south of Knoxville but I work in downtown knoxville. Send me a pm if you want some more info. I should have some 10 frame singles also. Yes we have small hive beetles but they are manageable. I've never treated with any chemicals and just this past year I've started using a few essential oils (tea tree oil) for nosema. I've never bought anything from Tess Arnold but I've heard good things about him. Coley Odell I have bought packages from in the past, couldn't meet a nicer guy. Anyway shoot me a pm if u want more info, if your not and just want to talk bees that's fine too.
Major

**Slow Modem** · 02-02-2013, 01:59 AM

Welcome to the forum!

Here is a list of beekeeping associations in your area:

http://www.tnbeekeepers.org/?page_id=45

They would have lots of info that might help you in your quest.

Good luck!

**mnadeau** · 04-15-2013, 08:00 AM

That sounds great. Sorry for the late reply, I have been busy with work and life in general. I am definatleyintrested. Please call me 251-776-3036 still AL number.