In 2026, as Spring and Summer nucs become available, we will post the sizes and types on Facebook, via email, and also on Craigslist. These will be sold on a first-come, cash (or check), and carry – pick up only basis. If you have any questions email Mary.
A Spring or Summer split contains a brand new locally mated queen with a proven brood pattern, brood of all ages, and food (honey & pollen). The frames are covered with healthy bees.
- Available late May and June.
- Local pickup only. We do not ship nucs. (10 Mt Joy Lane, Raphine, Virginia 24472)
- Orders will be first come -first serve basis.
- No online ordering, pay at pickup.
Possible Sizes of nucs as availability allows:
5 frame med, 5 frame deep, 8 frame deep, 8 frame med
Please contact us for your nuc needs this year. Call and leave a message, and Mary will call you back (540) 290-4811 or email Mary now.
Please Read – Nuc Pick-Up Instructions
When picking up your nuc(s) you may pick it (them) up in a Jester EZ nuc box(es). These boxes are great for retrieving small swarms OR for starting a split. The biggest advantage of getting your bees in this box is a very quick pick up experience, but you will need to transfer your bees on your own when you get them home.
As some bees may be escape artists, it is advisable to bring a netted laundry bag to put the Jester nuc box in, to prevent any bees from getting loose in the vehicle.
If you prefer to transfer the bees to your own equipment at Saint Mary’s Apiaries, you will need to bring the following NEW equipment with you. Please do not bring any used comb to St. Mary’s Apiary.
- appropriate size bottom board(s)
- deep or medium box(es)
- inner cover(s) with screen stapled over the oval opening(s)
- lid(s)
- entrance reducer(s)
- ratchet strap(s)
- duct tape
The Advantages of transferring your bees into your own equipment:
- You get to see (learn) what you are looking at; all stages of worker brood/(UNcapped and capped), which includes eggs, larvae, and pupae (covered), drone brood, nectar, honey, pollen, worker bees, drones, and the queen.
- When you get them home, you only need to set the box down in the spot you have for it, let them settle for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then simply pull out the entrance reducer(s). (You may leave the screen over the inner cover until your weekly inspection.)