New beekeepers have many decisions to make when embarking on a beekeeping adventure for the first time. One of the most significant decisions is where to put the hive. Newcomers to beekeeping likely have an ideal spot where they want the hive to be located and make the space perfect. Experienced beekeepers will tell you that bees are free-spirited, that it is not unusual to relocate a hive from its first location, and that the beehive's initial placement must be approached flexibly. Neighbors, pets, family, visitors, and bees must be happy with the site and not feel threatened.
Choosing People Over Bees
Hives that are in locations that end up bothering others should be moved. Beekeepers can always contact a local bee removal company to have a hive relocated if they want assistance. One mistake that new beekeepers make is worrying more about the bees than the people around them, which can damage relationships with neighbors. Honeybees can be moved and will adapt, so prioritize those who are not beekeepers but will be part of the experience due to their proximity to the hives.
Anyone choosing the fantastic hobby of beekeeping is in for a treat! However, planning to keep bees must be secondary to the people and pets in the area. Since honeybees move around and fly freely, choosing a location that will not cause fear or danger to others is a critical forethought.
Hive Placement Must Be Easily Accessible for Beekeepers
Hive placement should be where beekeepers can access the hives from the back side. When people first envision their hive locations, they want it to be against a structure that has benefits. A hive close to a building will provide heat and protection from harsh weather. Unfortunately, this blocks access to the back of the hive, which is the most ideal. Some hives can be accessed and maintained from the side, but it can be challenging, especially for someone new to beekeeping. It is best to avoid reaching from one side of the hive to the other, and with the back of the hive wholly blocked, the varroa drawers can't be pulled in and out easily. The varroa mite activity is monitored using these drawers, so seeing their condition regularly is critical to beekeeping.
It is best to place the hive in a location where the back of the hive can be accessed easily. Bees require monitoring and care, so if accessing the hive how you need becomes too difficult, the bees may be neglected.
Consider Everyone Who Will Be Affected by Hive Placement
Location, location, location. Not just true in real estate but also hive placement. Stay away from doors and windows that are used frequently, but also avoid anything where children, pets, and people will be regularly. Stay away from any public area that may cause fear in others. Even though beekeepers may not understand the fear that some have about bees, it must be a consideration. Extend some grace to those afraid of bees – enough wrong information could make someone easily concerned about a hive too close to home. Acknowledging that some people can die from a bee sting is also critical, and it is a genuine concern.
It is a mistake of beekeepers to have the attitude of being able to put the hive anywhere on their property. Properties share a line, so placing a hive somewhere far from your front door but close to a neighbor’s fence is thoughtless and won’t be received well. Many beekeepers who fight with their neighbors over placement lose the bees if they swarm to the other property. A disgruntled neighbor won’t hesitate to use pesticides to remove them from their tree.
Share the Fruits of Labor
Once a beekeeper's hives are stabilized and everything is going along, include your neighbors in the fruits of all your hard work. Neighbors who are not inconvenienced by your beehives' location may be curious. One way to share the love for bees is to gift your neighbors something from the harvest. A small jar of honey or a candle can get neighbors on board with your beekeeping adventure and bring awareness and enthusiasm to the hobby.
Work with Local Beekeepers on Solutions
Colonies have upwards of 80,000 bees; as is expected, they don't always have a perfectly mild temperament. Bees tend to get fussy when flowers begin to dry up, and if a hive is too close to another's property or accessed area, the behavior may cause alarm and some unnecessary stings. Work with a reputable local beekeeper if you need help finding the best location for your first hive. They can come out and help you determine the best spot. Someone with experience will always be a safer bet than watching a YouTube video, especially concerning beekeeping.
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Consider Everyone Who Will Be Affected by Hive Placement
Location, location, location. Not just true in real estate but also hive placement. Stay away from doors and windows that are used frequently, but also avoid anything where children, pets, and people will be regularly. Stay away from any public area that may cause fear in others. Even though beekeepers may not understand the fear that some have about bees, it must be a consideration. Extend some grace to those afraid of bees – enough wrong information could make someone easily concerned about a hive too close to home. Acknowledging that some people can die from a bee sting is also critical, and it is a genuine concern.
It is a mistake of beekeepers to have the attitude of being able to put the hive anywhere on their property. Properties share a line, so placing a hive somewhere far from your front door but close to a neighbor’s fence is thoughtless and won’t be received well. Many beekeepers who fight with their neighbors over placement lose the bees if they swarm to the other property. A disgruntled neighbor won’t hesitate to use pesticides to remove them from their tree.
Share the Fruits of Labor
Once a beekeeper's hives are stabilized and everything is going along, include your neighbors in the fruits of all your hard work. Neighbors who are not inconvenienced by your beehives' location may be curious. One way to share the love for bees is to gift your neighbors something from the harvest. A small jar of honey or a candle can get neighbors on board with your beekeeping adventure and bring awareness and enthusiasm to the hobby.
Work with Local Beekeepers on Solutions
Colonies have upwards of 80,000 bees; as is expected, they don't always have a perfectly mild temperament. Bees tend to get fussy when flowers begin to dry up, and if a hive is too close to another's property or accessed area, the behavior may cause alarm and some unnecessary stings. Work with a reputable local beekeeper if you need help finding the best location for your first hive. They can come out and help you determine the best spot. Someone with experience will always be a safer bet than watching a YouTube video, especially concerning beekeeping.