The Alleman Apiary — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about raw local honey, honey bee removal, swarm collection, nucs and queens, and beekeeping mentorship in Central Pennsylvania. If you don't see your question answered here, call or text 717-379-3248.

How long have you been beekeeping?

10+ years of beekeeping in Central PA. Multiple apiary sites, queen rearing, nuc production, and bee removal. Family-run operation.

Where are you located?

Honey stand and main apiary at 3502 High St., Harrisburg, PA 17109. We service Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, and surrounding counties.

How do I reach you?

Phone or text 717-379-3248. Email TheAllemanApiary@gmail.com. Text is fastest, especially during swarm season.

Honey Bee Removal & Swarms

Free for accessible swarms (clusters of bees hanging in the open). Established colonies inside walls, soffits, or chimneys are quoted on-site after we see the situation. See our Bee Removal page for full details.

How fast can you respond to a swarm?

Same-day during peak swarm season (April through early July) whenever possible. Don't wait — swarms move on within 24-72 hours.

Do you kill any honey bees?

No. Live removal and relocation only. If a colony can't safely be relocated, we tell you up front and discuss options.

What if I don't have honey bees — what if it's yellow jackets or hornets?

Send a photo to 717-379-3248 — we identify for free. If it's a stinging insect that isn't honey bees, our sister company Lawns Plants & Pests LLC handles those professionally.

Local Honey

How is your honey different from grocery store honey?

Raw, unfiltered, never heated, never blended, single-source from our hives. See our Local Honey page for the full story.

Where can I buy it?

Self-serve honey stand at 3502 High St., Harrisburg, PA 17109. Cash or Venmo, honor system. Available 24/7. Larger or specialty orders — call 717-379-3248 to arrange.

Why is my honey crystallized?

Crystallization is a sign of real, raw honey. To re-liquify, place the jar in warm (not hot) water for 15-30 minutes. Don't microwave.

Do you ship honey?

No, pickup only at our honey stand. We're a local apiary, and we'd rather have you taste it in person.

Nucs & Queens

When can I buy nucs?

Spring — typically late April through June, weather permitting. Reservations open in fall with a 50% deposit. See Nucs & Queens.

What kind of bees are they?

Mixed Northern survivor stock — Carniolan, Italian, Russian, and local genetics selected for PA conditions. Not pure-breed; they're working bees adapted to Pennsylvania.

Do you ship nucs or queens?

No, pickup only at our apiary in Harrisburg, PA.

Beekeeping Mentorship

I'm new to beekeeping. Can you help?

Yes — that's specifically what we do. Hands-on first-year mentorship at your hives, plus ongoing phone/text support. See Apiary Services.

I'm an experienced beekeeper but I'm losing hives. Can you consult?

Yes. Apiary consulting for established beekeepers includes full inspection, problem diagnosis, and a corrective treatment/management plan. Call 717-379-3248.

Sister Business

Are you the same business as Lawns Plants & Pests LLC?

Same family, same phone number, two distinct businesses. The Alleman Apiary handles bees and honey. Lawns Plants & Pests LLC handles pest control, lawn care, plant health care, mosquito/tick treatments, wildlife removal, agricultural pest, and pond management. When you call 717-379-3248, we sort out which business handles what you need.

Have a Question We Didn't Answer?

Call or text 717-379-3248, or email TheAllemanApiary@gmail.com. We try to respond same day.