About
HillCo, LLC is a family-owned and operated beekeeping equipment supplier based in the United States, serving both beginner and professional beekeepers. Their online store features an extensive catalog covering every aspect of beekeeping — from complete beginner kits and live queens to advanced honey extraction and bottling systems. Their hive lineup includes traditional 5-frame and 10-frame wooden hives, as well as the innovative Hive365™ premium insulated plastic hives designed for year-round performance. For honey processing, HillCo offers a full range of extractors (from small 3-frame manual units to large 36-frame radial motorized models), uncapping tanks, heated bottling tanks, honey clarifiers, and storage containers. Beekeepers can also find protective equipment such as suits and gloves, smokers and essential tools, feeders, health and pest-control treatments (including Oxalic Acid vaporizers), queen-rearing supplies, and even educational books and gift items. The InstantVap Apisolis line provides modern oxalic acid vaporization for Varroa mite management. HillCo caters to hobbyist backyard beekeepers getting started as well as commercial operations needing high-capacity honey-house equipment. Free shipping is offered on orders over $100, with a 10% discount for local pickup. Their team is reachable by phone for expert guidance on product selection.
Key Features
- Complete Hive Selection: Offers 5-frame, 10-frame, and Hive365™ insulated plastic hive systems suited for beginners through commercial beekeepers.
- Professional Honey Extraction Equipment: Full lineup of honey extractors from small manual units to large 36-frame radial motorized extractors, plus uncapping tanks and clarifiers.
- Honey Storage & Bottling Systems: Heated bottling tanks, bulk storage containers, and no-mess flow systems designed for efficient honey-house operations.
- Health & Treatment Supplies: Varroa mite control solutions including InstantVap Oxalic Acid Vaporizers and other pest-management and feeding supplements.
- Beginner Kits & Live Queens: Curated beginner kits with all essential gear, plus live queens available for local pickup or postal shipping.
Use Cases
- A backyard hobbyist beekeeper purchasing a complete beginner kit including hive, protective gear, and tools to start their first colony.
- A small-scale honey producer upgrading their honey-house with a motorized extractor, uncapping tank, and heated bottling system.
- A commercial beekeeper sourcing bulk hive components, frames, foundation, and queen-rearing supplies for a large apiary operation.
- A beekeeper treating hives for Varroa mites using an InstantVap Oxalic Acid Vaporizer purchased from HillCo.
- A beekeeper setting up swarm traps in early spring using HillCo's Swarm Trap Kit to capture wild swarms and expand their apiary.
Pros
- Comprehensive One-Stop Shop: Covers every stage of beekeeping from starting a hive to bottling and selling honey, reducing the need to source from multiple suppliers.
- Free Shipping & Local Pickup Discount: Free shipping on orders over $100 and a 10% discount for local pickup make purchasing cost-effective.
- Expert Support Available: A direct phone line connects customers to knowledgeable staff for equipment selection and beekeeping guidance.
Cons
- U.S.-Focused Shipping: As a U.S.-based supplier, international shipping options and availability may be limited.
- Higher-End Equipment Is Costly: Professional honey-house equipment such as heated bottling tanks and large extractors can run into the thousands of dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HillCo offer free shipping?
Yes. HillCo offers free shipping on all orders over $100. Local pickup is also available with a 10% discount applied to your order.
Can I buy live bees or queens from HillCo?
Yes. HillCo carries marked queens that are available for local pickup or can be shipped directly to your post office.
Are there beginner kits available?
Yes. HillCo offers beginner kits, including a Deluxe Beginner Kit that bundles all the essential equipment needed to start beekeeping.
What hive systems does HillCo carry?
HillCo carries traditional 5-frame and 10-frame wooden hive systems, as well as the Hive365™ premium insulated plastic hive series and Apimaye plastic hives for year-round performance.
How can I get expert advice on equipment selection?
You can reach HillCo's team directly by phone at (309) 461-7885, or use the Contact page on their website for guidance on selecting the right equipment for your apiary.
