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.
Avoid Wet Feet
Bees, like most living beings, don't appreciate soggy surroundings. Ensure your hive is elevated on a hive stand to prevent water accumulation during rain. This not only helps in maintaining a dry environment but also prevents the hive from becoming waterlogged. Also avoid humid locations with restricted airflow, such as woodland. Falling trees are an issue but the damp environment really isn’t very good for bees and they don’t tend to thrive in these locations.
Proximity to a Water Source
Bees need water for various reasons, including cooling the hive and diluting honey for consumption. Place your hive within a reasonable distance (a few hundred feet) from a clean and reliable water source, such as a pond or a shallow container filled with water. The UK is relatively wet so pretty much any location will have suitable access to water nearby unless we experience severe drought conditions.
Floral Buffet Nearby
Your bees need access to diverse and abundant sources of nectar and pollen. Choose a location close to a variety of flowering plants. This not only benefits the bees by providing them with a rich foraging environment but also contributes to the quality and flavour of the honey they produce. If the bees aren’t performing well somewhere, don’t be afraid to move them and try somewhere else.
Keep It Private
While bees are generally docile, it's wise to place your hive away from heavy human traffic areas. This helps prevent unnecessary disturbances to the colony and minimises the risk of accidental stings.
Conclusion
Selecting the best place for your beehive involves a balance of sunlight, wind protection, dry surroundings, access to water, proximity to flowers, and minimal human interference. By keeping these simple considerations in mind, you'll be providing your bees with an ideal environment to thrive and produce the honey we all love – honey. Happy beekeeping!