Where Should I Place My Beehive?
Introduction
So you have bought some bees and you are now wondering, where do I place my beehive? Embarking on the journey of beekeeping is an exciting venture and choosing the right location for your beehive is a crucial step for the success of your colony. In this brief guide, we'll explore some simple and practical considerations to help you find the optimal spot for your beehive.
Sunlight is Key
Bees are sun lovers, and placing your hive in a spot that receives abundant sunlight is essential, especially in the UK. Aim for a location that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. The morning sun is particularly beneficial as it helps the bees start their day with energy and warmth. Full sun bring a host of benefits. It means inspections are more enjoyable as more bees are out foraging, limiting any defensive behaviour. It results in far fewer brood disorders such as chalk brood as the bees are able to regulate the humidity to avoid damp conditions. Finally, it results in an increased honey harvest as the bees work harder throughout the day.
Shelter from the Wind
While bees are hardy insects, strong winds can be a challenge for them. Position your hive in a way that provides some natural windbreak, such as a fence or shrubbery. This will help the bees maintain a stable temperature within the hive and reduce stress on the colony.
Facing South
Facing the beehives south gives them sun for the majority of the day and also helps protect them from cold northerly winds. Depending on where you are in the world, if you have a predominant east/west wind direction, you can face the hives away from the prevailing wind to offer additional protection.