Before starting a beehive, you obviously need to locate it somewhere firstly. In this post, we will explore some tips to help find where to put your hive effortlessly.
Where To Put Your Hive – Save Yourself Some Pain!
Deciding where to put your beehive is one of the first and most important decisions you will have to make as a new beekeeper. Here are some things to consider:
- Safety is the number one priority. Some people are severely allergic to bee stings, so make sure to read our safety information.
- Bees usually like to fly away from the hive in the direction the entrance is facing. Point your entrance so that their flight path is clear, and is not pointing towards an area where people will be sitting or walking.
- Avoid pointing your hive entrance toward the neighbor’s washing line or their car. The bees will poo on whatever is in their flight path.
- Don’t have a light shining directly at your hive at night.
- Your hive should be up off the ground to keep the bees out of reach of ground-dwelling predators, but not so high that it will make working on the hive difficult.
- Some beekeepers put fences around their hives to protect them from wild animals, livestock, pets or people.
- Although honeybees can thrive in full sun or full shade, it’s often best to have a mix of both. Too much shade can result in dampness and more pathogens.
- Many beekeepers situate their hive with the entrances facing the morning sun so that the bees get up and start to forage earlier.
- Make sure your hive is level so that the bees will build their comb correctly if you’re using foundation-less brood frames.
- It’s a good idea to keep your hive sheltered from strong winds.
Registering your hive?
Q: Do I need to register my hive?
A: Yes you probably do. The regulations on beehives vary greatly from country to country and also within countries. In Australia, hives must be registered with state authorities.
For instance, in the state of Victoria, all hives must be registered with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, and this is free for fewer than five hives. An important condition of registration is to comply with the Australian Honey Bee Industry Code of Practice: http://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/national-programs/national-bee-biosecurity-program/
If you do beekeeping in Canada, US, UK or somewhere else, please research your local regulation in advance.
We recommend you check with your local primary industries and agriculture authorities or link up with your nearest beekeepers’ association to find out what is required in your jurisdiction before you set up a new hive.
It’s a good idea to check in with your local council because some local authorities have banned beekeeping in built-up areas and can sting you with a hefty fine if you have not registered your hive when required to do so.
To be sure you are doing your part to maintain the health and well-being of your colony and other colonies in your region, it’s best to research the local rules and regulations so you are well prepared :).
Originally posted 2020-08-18 17:00:58.
