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FAQs

Regular hive inspections are essential for successful beekeeping. Inspections help you monitor the health and productivity of your colony, detect problems early, and take necessary actions. Begin by observing the hive entrance; active bees with pollen on their legs indicate a healthy colony. Open the hive and use a smoker to calm the bees. Check for signs of disease, pests, and the presence of the queen. Look for a healthy brood pattern, indicating the queen is laying eggs. Inspect frames for honey stores and pollen. Identify and address any issues such as queenlessness, disease, or lack of food. Regular inspections also help you manage space within the hive, preventing overcrowding and swarming. Record your observations and any actions taken in a beekeeping journal. This information is invaluable for tracking the progress of your colony and making informed decisions. Aim to inspect your hive every 7-10 days during the active season and less frequently in winter. Consistent hive inspections will ensure your bees remain healthy and productive, and you'll gain valuable insights into the fascinating world of beekeeping.

You will have the option to cancel your order within your confirmation email. You may also contact our customer service team at [email/phone #]. Please include your order number and the reason for cancellation in your message.


Orders can only be canceled before they have been dispatched. If your order has already been shipped, please refer to our return policy for further instructions.

FAQs

Looking to add some gloves to your bee gear collection? Here’s a guide to help you pick the right glove size!  if you have any issues please email us at [email protected]



Remember that fit can vary depending on style. If you find your glove doesn’t quite fit the way you want it to, you can exchange it for a different size.


sizing

size

No worries! All of our items and accessories have a 1-year warranty, which means we’ll replace the damaged item within a year from the time of purchase*. To get a replacement, send us an email and send us your name, shipping address, order number (if available), and a picture of your damaged item.  Four exceptions: 

  1. We can only issue a replacement if you provide a photo of the damaged item.
  2. If gloves have been altered in any way (i.e. if you cut, shortened, or re-burned the strings or edges), we can’t replace the item.
  3. We’re unable to replace lost or stolen items.
  4. We can only issue a replacement if the item was purchased directly through our website. If it was purchased in store with one of our wholesale partners, you must contact the store so they can replace the damaged item for you. 

Choosing the right size for your beekeeping suit is crucial for comfort and safety. An ill-fitting suit can make your beekeeping experience uncomfortable and potentially expose you to bee stings. To help you find the perfect fit, we've provided a comprehensive sizing chart and some tips on how to measure yourself accurately.

How to Measure Yourself

Before using the sizing chart, it's essential to take accurate measurements of your body. Here's how to measure key areas:

  1. Chest/Bust:

    • Measure around the fullest part of your chest/bust, keeping the tape measure horizontal.

  2. Waist:

    • Measure around your natural waistline, which is typically the narrowest part of your torso.

  3. Hips:

    • Measure around the fullest part of your hips, ensuring the tape measure is level and not too tight.

  4. Inseam:

    • Measure from the top of your inner thigh down to your ankle.

  5. Height:

    • Stand against a wall with your feet together and measure from the top of your head to the floor.

  6. Arm Length:

    • Measure from the top of your shoulder to your wrist, keeping your arm slightly bent.

Bee Suit Sizing Chart

Use your measurements to find the best size for your beekeeping suit in the chart below. Our suits are designed to provide a comfortable and protective fit, with enough room for layering underneath.

SizeChest/Bust (inches)Waist (inches)Hips (inches)Inseam (inches)Height (inches)Arm Length (inches)
XS32-3424-2634-3628-3060-6322-23
S34-3626-2836-3830-3263-6623-24
M38-4030-3240-4232-3466-6924-25
L42-4434-3644-4634-3669-7225-26
XL46-4838-4048-5036-3872-7526-27
XXL50-5242-4452-5438-4075-7827-28
3XL54-5646-4856-5840-4278-8128-29

Tips for the Perfect Fit

  1. Consider Layering:

    • If you plan to wear thick clothing underneath your suit, consider sizing up to ensure you have enough room to move comfortably.

  2. Room for Movement:

    • Your suit should be loose enough to allow you to bend and move without restriction but not so loose that it becomes a safety hazard.

  3. Check the Length:

    • Ensure the sleeves and pant legs are long enough to cover your wrists and ankles completely. This helps prevent bees from entering the suit.

  4. Try It On:

    • If possible, try the suit on before purchasing. Move around, bend, and stretch to make sure it feels comfortable and secure.

Shipping

Shipping Status

Where is my order?

You can track your order using our Gorgias Bee Gear shipping tracker.


You can also find your order information through your Account Page. If you do not have an account, you can sign up here!

Please Note: If your order has not shipped, information will not be available. Information will be updated after it has shipped. 

If you have a domestic shipment that has not been updated within the last 8 days and you purchased Route Package Protection, please file a claim with Route! International orders are eligible for a claim after 20 days of no movement. 

You may file your Route claim here: claims.route.com

If you did not purchase Route Package Protection, please file a claim with the carrier.


How long will it take for me to receive my order? 

If you live in the US, our economy shipping method usually takes 5-8 business days for your product to reach your doorstep. Expedited domestic shipping usually takes 3-4 business days to reach your door once the order is fulfilled, but please note that carriers do NOT count weekend days in their quoted shipping estimates.

International timelines vary based on location and shipping method.

Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, and other U.S. outer lying islands may experience a lack of tracking updates until the package arrives to your state/island. When it does, the tracking will update and have more details regarding an estimated delivery date. These tracking delays are very common due to the shipment destination and should not affect your package's overall delivery.

Note: The shipping timeline estimate begins AFTER your order is fulfilled by our facility. Please allow 1-2 business days for order fulfillment and then the quoted time for shipping and delivery.


Here is the video:

Do you ship internationally?

We do!

Currently, we ship to all U.S. domestic locations, Canada, Australia, the U.K.

You can track your order using our Gorgias Bee Gear shipping tracker.

You can also find your order information through our self-service portal.

How long will it take for my order to ship internationally?

International orders may take 10-30 business days depending on the option you select at checkout.

Please note that shipping time varies based on location and the shipping option selected. Processing for all orders is 1-2 business days in addition to shipping time. International orders may have a customs delay (generally a week or less)


How much can I expect to pay for customs/duties?

Depending on the carrier method selected and shipping destination, your order may incur duties and custom fees. Please contact your local customs office for more information. You will be financially responsible for all taxes and duties in your own country.

If available, we do offer Passport Priority Duties Paid Shipping at checkout. With this shipping method selected, you will prepay duties and not have to worry about any surprise fees at the border from your local government!

Product

Yes! Our Apiary adheres to strict organic farming standards to ensure our honey is organic. We prioritize natural beekeeping practices, avoiding synthetic chemicals and pesticides in our processes. Our bees forage on organically certified fields, ensuring the purity of the nectar they collect. We maintain the health of our hives through natural methods, supporting the bees' immunity and vitality without resorting to artificial treatments. This commitment to organic practices extends to every step of our honey production, from hive management to extraction and packaging. By doing so, we ensure that our honey is free from harmful residues and retains its natural, wholesome qualities. Our certification guarantees that our honey meets the highest organic standards, providing you with a product you can trust. Enjoy the pure, natural goodness of our organic honey, knowing it supports both your health and the environment. Choose our Apiary for the best in organic honey production.

When it comes to beekeeping, safety is paramount. One of the most crucial pieces of equipment is the beekeeping suit. Choosing the right suit can make the difference between a pleasant beekeeping experience and an uncomfortable one. There are various types of suits available, ranging from full-body suits to just jackets and veils. Full-body suits provide the most protection, covering you from head to toe. Look for suits made from durable materials like cotton or polyester, as these are both breathable and protective. Ventilated suits are excellent for hot climates, as they allow airflow while keeping bees out. When selecting a suit, ensure it fits well; a suit that is too tight can be uncomfortable, while one that is too loose can allow bees to get inside. Always check for secure closures around the wrists and ankles. Additionally, consider the visibility through the veil; a clear view is essential for safety. Investing in a high-quality suit will pay off in the long run by providing comfort and protection. Don't forget to pair your suit with gloves and boots to ensure full coverage.

Setting up your first bee hive is an exciting step in your beekeeping journey. Start by choosing a suitable location for your hive. It should be a sunny spot with some shade during the hottest part of the day and sheltered from strong winds. Ensure the hive is placed on level ground, elevated slightly to prevent water from entering. Next, assemble your hive components, including the bottom board, brood boxes, frames, and cover. Use a hive stand to keep the hive off the ground and reduce dampness and pests. Before introducing bees, paint the exterior of the hive with a non-toxic paint to protect it from the elements. Once the hive is ready, it's time to install the bees. If you're using a package of bees, gently shake them into the hive and place the queen in her cage between the frames. Provide a feeder with sugar syrup to help them settle in. Regularly check the hive for signs of activity and ensure the queen is released and accepted by the colony. With patience and care, your hive will thrive, and you'll soon enjoy the rewards of beekeeping.

Building your own bee hive can be a rewarding and cost-effective project. Start by selecting the type of hive you want to build, such as a Langstroth hive, which is popular among beekeepers. Gather the necessary materials, including untreated wood, nails, screws, and a saw. Begin by constructing the bottom board, which serves as the base of the hive. Next, build the hive boxes, also known as supers, by cutting the wood to size and assembling it into rectangular boxes. Ensure the joints are tight and secure. Install frames inside the boxes, spacing them evenly to allow bees to build their comb. Add a cover, such as an inner cover and a telescoping outer cover, to protect the hive from the elements. Paint the exterior of the hive with non-toxic paint to protect the wood from weathering. Once your hive is complete, place it on a hive stand to elevate it off the ground and prevent moisture buildup. Building a hive requires basic woodworking skills, but it can be a fulfilling project that provides a custom home for your bees.

Choosing the right type of bee hive is crucial for successful beekeeping. The three most common types are the Langstroth, Top-Bar, and Warre hives. The Langstroth hive is the most widely used, consisting of stacked rectangular boxes with removable frames. This design allows for easy inspection and honey extraction. The Top-Bar hive is a horizontal hive with bars across the top for bees to build their comb. It is more natural for the bees and requires less heavy lifting but can be more challenging to manage. The Warre hive, also known as the vertical top-bar hive, mimics a hollow tree, providing a more natural environment for the bees. It is low-maintenance but can be difficult to inspect. Each type of hive has its advantages and disadvantages, so consider your beekeeping goals and physical capabilities when choosing. Langstroth hives are ideal for beginners due to their simplicity and widespread use. Top-Bar and Warre hives are excellent for those interested in natural beekeeping practices. Understanding the differences will help you make an informed decision and set you up for beekeeping success.

To manage your bee hive effectively, you'll need a set of essential beekeeping tools. The hive tool is perhaps the most important, used to pry apart hive components and scrape off excess wax and propolis. A smoker is essential for calming the bees during inspections; it works by emitting cool smoke that masks alarm pheromones. Bee brushes are gentle tools for moving bees off frames without harming them. A queen catcher is useful for isolating the queen during inspections or requeening. Feeders are necessary to provide supplementary nutrition, especially in the early stages of hive establishment. Protective clothing, including a suit, gloves, and veil, is crucial for your safety. Frame grips help lift frames from the hive with ease, while an uncapping knife is used to remove wax caps from honeycomb during extraction. A bee suit or jacket with a veil is essential for personal protection. For honey extraction, you'll need an extractor to spin honey out of the comb, and a strainer to remove impurities. Lastly, a beekeeping journal is invaluable for recording observations and tracking hive health. Equipping yourself with these tools will ensure a smooth and successful beekeeping experience.

Harvesting honey is one of the most rewarding aspects of beekeeping. The process begins with choosing the right time to harvest. Honey should be harvested when at least 80% of the frames in the super are capped, indicating the honey is ripe and moisture content is low. Use a bee escape board or a fume board to clear bees from the super. Once the bees are removed, carefully take the frames to your extraction area. Use an uncapping knife or fork to remove the wax cappings from the honeycomb. Place the frames in an extractor, which spins them to release the honey. Strain the honey through a fine mesh to remove any debris or wax particles. Let the honey settle in a tank for a day or two to allow air bubbles to rise. Once settled, it's ready to be bottled. Ensure all equipment is clean and dry to maintain the quality of the honey. After extraction, return the empty frames to the hive for the bees to clean and reuse. Store your honey in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and nutritional properties. With these techniques, you can enjoy pure, delicious honey from your own hive.

Beekeeping is a year-round commitment, with different tasks required for each season. In spring, inspect the hive for signs of disease and ensure the queen is laying eggs. Add supers as the colony grows to provide space for honey storage. In summer, monitor for swarming and provide adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. Check for pests and diseases regularly. Harvest honey when frames are capped, and ensure bees have enough space. In fall, reduce hive entrances to prevent robbing and insulate the hive if necessary. Feed bees with sugar syrup to build up winter stores. In winter, ensure the hive is secure and check periodically for moisture buildup. Provide ventilation to prevent condensation, and make sure bees have access to food. Remove snow from hive entrances to allow airflow. Throughout the year, maintain equipment and replace old or damaged components. Keep records of hive inspections and observations to track colony health. By following these seasonal maintenance tips, you can ensure your bees remain healthy and productive year-round.

Keeping your bees healthy involves preventing and treating common bee diseases. Varroa mites are one of the most significant threats. Regularly monitor mite levels using a sugar roll or alcohol wash, and treat with approved miticides or organic methods like powdered sugar dusting. Nosema, a fungal disease, affects the digestive system. Treat with fumagillin or promote good hygiene and proper nutrition to prevent it. American Foulbrood is a bacterial disease that can devastate colonies. Inspect brood for sunken, discolored cells, and treat with antibiotics if detected. Chalkbrood, caused by a fungus, can be managed by maintaining strong, healthy colonies and ensuring proper ventilation. European Foulbrood is another bacterial disease treated with antibiotics and good management practices. Small hive beetles can be controlled with traps and maintaining strong colonies. Regular inspections and good hive management practices, such as maintaining cleanliness and providing adequate ventilation, are crucial for disease prevention. If you suspect a disease, act quickly to diagnose and treat it to prevent it from spreading. Keeping detailed records of treatments and observations will help you manage bee health effectively.

How to Properly Store Honey

Honey is a natural product that can remain fresh and safe to consume indefinitely if stored correctly. Follow these guidelines to ensure your honey stays in perfect condition.

1. Choose the Right Container

  • Glass Jars: Glass jars are the best option for storing honey. They are non-reactive and do not absorb odors.
  • Plastic Containers: Food-grade plastic containers are also suitable. Avoid using metal containers, as they can cause honey to oxidize.

2. Keep it Airtight

  • Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from entering. Honey can absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to fermentation.

3. Store at Room Temperature

  • Optimal Temperature: Store honey at a consistent room temperature, ideally between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can cause honey to crystallize faster.
  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not store honey near a heat source or in direct sunlight, as excessive heat can degrade its quality.

4. Prevent Contamination

  • Always use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out honey. Avoid introducing any water or food particles into the honey, as this can cause it to spoil.

5. Addressing Crystallization

  • Natural Process: Crystallization is a natural process and does not indicate spoilage. If your honey crystallizes, you can gently warm the jar in a bowl of warm water to return it to its liquid state. Avoid using a microwave, as it can overheat and damage the honey.

6. Long-Term Storage Tips

  • Bulk Storage: If you buy honey in bulk, consider transferring a small amount to a smaller jar for regular use. Keep the larger container sealed and stored in a cool, dark place.
  • Avoid Freezing: While honey can be frozen, it is not necessary and can cause it to crystallize when thawed.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your honey remains fresh, flavorful, and safe to consume for years to come. Enjoy the natural sweetness of honey in its best form!

Returns

We understand that sometimes you may need to return or exchange an item. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free process, please review our returns and exchanges policy below.

Conditions for Returns and Exchanges

  1. Return/Exchange Window:

    • Items can be returned or exchanged within 30 days from the date of purchase. After 30 days, we will not be able to accept returns or exchanges.

  2. Proof of Purchase:

    • All returns and exchanges must be accompanied by the original receipt or packing slip. This is necessary for us to verify the purchase and process your return or exchange efficiently.

  3. Eligible Purchases:

    • Only products purchased directly from our website are eligible for returns or exchanges. If you purchased our products from a third-party retailer, please contact them directly for their return and exchange policies.

  4. Final Sale Items:

    • Products purchased during a 'final sale' promotion are ineligible for returns or exchanges. Final sale items are heavily discounted, and as such, all sales are final.

Exchange Process (US & Canada Orders Only)

We have a straightforward process that makes it easy to exchange your item for the proper size. Follow the steps below to exchange your item(s):

  1. Access the Exchange Portal:

    • Click here to enter our exchanges portal for US and Canadian orders. You will need to enter your order number and shipping zip code.

  2. Select the Item for Exchange:

    • From there, you will be able to select the item that you want to exchange. Items not eligible for an exchange will be grayed out and unable to be selected.

  3. Select a Reason for Exchange:

    • We require you to select a reason code for your exchange. You can select from the following options:
      • Item didn't fit: The item you ordered was not the correct size.
      • Item was damaged: The item you ordered was damaged upon delivery.
      • I received the wrong item: Mistakes can happen, and we want to fix it! Select the item you should have received, and we will make sure to get that sent out to you.

  4. Choose a New Size:

    • Once a reason is selected, you will be able to pick a new size.

  5. Shipping the Item Back:

    • Once fully completed, you will be prompted to download or be emailed a pre-paid shipping label to send back your item(s). Please ensure to send us the item(s) within 30 days of creating the exchange, or we will be unable to process the exchange.

Important Notes

  • Damaged or Defective Items:

    • If you received a damaged or defective item, please contact us immediately. We will arrange for a replacement or refund, and cover any return shipping costs.

  • Return Shipping Costs:

    • Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item was received damaged, defective, or incorrect.
    • We will cover the charge if an item is exchanged for a better size fit! The exchange is free. 

  • Refunds:

    • Only the purchase price of the returned item will be refunded. Original shipping charges are non-refundable.

  • Gift Returns:

    • If the item was marked as a gift when purchased and shipped directly to you, you’ll receive a gift credit for the value of your return. Once the returned item is received, a gift certificate will be mailed to you.

  • Packaging Condition:

    • Your items must be returned in their original packaging and damage-free. Should the product's original packaging be ripped, torn, unable to be reused, or is missing, your item will not be eligible for an exchange.

  • Processing Time:

    • Your exchange will be processed within 1-3 business days after your package is received by our warehouse. Once the exchange has been completed on our end, we’ll send out your new product ASAP and email you the order confirmation. Shipping will take the usual 3-5 business days from when your package leaves our warehouse.

We strive to provide high-quality products and excellent customer service. If you have any questions or need further assistance with your return or exchange, please don't hesitate to contact our support team.

Thank you for shopping with us and for your understanding and cooperation regarding our returns and exchanges policy.

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