Step 8

Obtain and establish your bees

There are three common European honey bee varieties to choose from and you need to select a reputable honey bee supplier.

Italian – Gentle, good honey producers

Carniolan – Start early, but swarm

Russian - Hygenic, mite resistant

For more information about these honey bee types, visit the USDA Beesource webpage, Different Types of Honey Bees.

Information about honey bee sources shared during the UC Cooperative Extension San Diego beekeeping trainings may be found in the Resources section.