As a beginning beekeeper, the location of your beehive is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. But, the beehive placement depends on many factors.
When choosing the best place to put a beehive, consider the proximity of neighbors, available space, and available sun, shade, water, and windbreak.
The following tips and pieces of advice will help you choose the best location for setting up an apiary.
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Beehive basics: what is a beehive?
But first things first. What is a beehive? A beehive is a man-made structure where bees live, work, and produce honey.
It’s designed to mimic the natural environment of bee colonies, providing them with a safe and organized space to build their combs, store honey, and raise their young.
Related: Introduction to Beekeeping: A Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Honeybees
The design and structure of a beehive play a crucial role in the health and productivity of the bee colony.
Why proper beehive placement is important
Choosing the best place to put a beehive is more than just finding a spot in your backyard. Proper beehive placement can significantly impact the health and productivity of your bee colony.
A well-placed hive ensures that bees have easy access to food sources, are protected from harsh weather conditions, and can defend against predators.
Related: Beekeeping Density: How Many Beehives Per Acre of Land is Ideal?
Plus, the hive’s location can influence the bees’ behavior, foraging patterns, and even the quality of the honey they produce. In essence, where you place your beehive can make the difference between a thriving colony and one that struggles to survive.
Common types of beehives and their unique needs
You now understand the general purpose of a hive and why finding the best place to put a beehive is essential. But there’s more to discuss before deciding where to place your first hive.
Did you know, for instance, that there are several common types of hives you can buy or build for your colonies? And that each type has its own unique needs in terms of placement?
Here are a few of the most common:
1) Langstroth hive
The Langstroth hive is the most popular type of beehive in the U.S. It consists of stacked boxes with removable frames, allowing beekeepers to quickly inspect and harvest honey without disturbing the bees too much.
A Langstroth hive must be set up above the ground in a place with good ventilation.
2) Top Bar hive:
Unlike the Langstroth, the Top Bar hive doesn’t use vertical stacking. Instead, it’s a horizontal hive with bars on top where bees build their comb. This type of hive is often favored for its simplicity and natural design.
When placing a top-bar hive, ensure it’s level to prevent uneven comb building.
3) Warre hive
Designed to mimic the natural living conditions of bees, the Warre hive is a vertical stacking system without removable frames. It’s considered a “low intervention” hive, meaning beekeepers let bees do their thing with minimal interference.
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A Warre hive must be protected from direct wind and not in a damp location.
Each type of beehive has its unique needs when it comes to placement. However, the common goal is to provide a safe, productive environment for the bees, ensuring they can thrive and produce the best honey possible.
Key factors to consider for beehive placement
Sun or shade?
Morning sunlight plays a pivotal role in the daily activities of a bee colony. When a beehive receives the sun’s early rays, it warms up, stimulating the bees to begin their day of foraging and other tasks.
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This early start can increase the hive’s productivity, as bees have more time to collect nectar and pollen.
Additionally, the morning sun’s warmth helps evaporate any moisture inside the hive, reducing the risk of mold and diseases. Therefore, finding the best place to put a beehive often means ensuring it gets ample morning sunlight.
The risks of excessive sun or shade
While sunlight is beneficial, too much of it can be detrimental. Hives exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day can become overheated, especially during the hot summer months. Overheating can stress the bees, making them more aggressive and less productive.
On the other hand, placing a beehive in an area with excessive shade can lead to issues like dampness, mold growth, and reduced bee activity.
Bees in overly shaded areas might also struggle to maintain the necessary temperature inside the hive for brood rearing. Striking the right balance between sunlight and shade is crucial for a thriving bee colony.
Wind and weather considerations
Direct wind can pose several challenges for bee colonies. Strong winds can cool the hive, making it difficult for bees to maintain the required temperature, especially during the colder months.
Related: Types of Beehives: Which One is Best for You?
This can increase energy consumption as bees try to warm the hive, reducing honey stores. Additionally, strong winds can hinder the bees’ ability to fly and forage, impacting the overall productivity of the colony.
When considering the best place to put a beehive, evaluating the wind patterns in the chosen location is essential.
Use natural windbreaks to protect your hive
Natural windbreaks, such as trees, shrubs, or even man-made structures like fences, can be invaluable in protecting your beehive from the adverse effects of strong winds.
These barriers not only shield the hive from direct wind but also help maintain a stable temperature inside the hive.
Related: 23 Best Plants and Flowers for Attracting Bees in Your Garden
For beekeepers in particularly windy areas, creating a windbreak might be necessary. This could involve planting a hedgerow, building a fence, or strategically placing the hive behind existing structures.
The goal is to provide a sheltered environment where bees can thrive without the constant stress of battling the elements.
Practical tips for perfect beehive placement
Leave space between hives and other structures for bee flight paths
One of the most critical aspects of beehive placement is leaving enough space for bees to fly in and out of their hive without obstructions.
Bees typically have a straight flight path when leaving or returning to their hive. If there are obstructions close to the hive entrance, it can disrupt this flight path, causing stress and potential collisions.
Related: Beekeeping 101: How to Start Raising Honey Bees
For optimal bee activity and to find the best place to put a beehive, ensure a clearance of at least 10 to 15 feet in front of the hive entrance.
This open space allows bees to have a clear and safe flight path, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting efficient foraging.
Proximity to house and urban areas: what to know
While beekeeping is a rewarding hobby, it’s essential to consider the safety and comfort of those around you. Placing a beehive too close to your house or in densely populated urban areas can pose challenges.
Bees can become a nuisance or even a potential threat if they feel their hive is threatened. I strongly recommend placing beehives at least 20 to 25 feet away from your home and even further if you have neighbors close by.
If you’re in an urban setting, check local regulations regarding beekeeping, as some cities have specific guidelines on hive placement to ensure the safety of residents.
Here’s a directory of beekeeping regulations organized by state, plus a compilation of state beekeeping associations, to help you understand the local guidelines and standards:
Why beehives need to be perfectly level and on stable ground
A perfectly leveled hive is important for several reasons.
First, bees build their comb perpendicular to the ground. If the hive isn’t level, the comb will be built at an angle, making it challenging to inspect and manage.
Additionally, uneven combs can lead to space issues inside the hive, potentially causing overcrowding or inefficient use of space.
When scouting for the best place to put a beehive, use a level to ensure the ground is even. If not, consider using hive stands or baseboards to create a level surface.
Related: Queen Bee Selection: How to Choose the Best Queen Bees for Your Hive
Perfect height: benefits and best practices
Elevating your beehives offers several advantages. Firstly, it keeps the hive away from ground moisture, reducing the risk of mold and wood rot. Plus, elevated hives are also less accessible to ground predators like skunks or raccoons.
Using hive stands or platforms can also make hive inspections more comfortable, reducing the strain on your back. When elevating your hive, ensure it’s stable and secure to prevent tipping.
So, what’s the perfect height to set up a beehive? Depending on the region and potential threats, a height of 12 to 18 inches off the ground is typically recommended for most beehives.
The perfect spot for a new beehive – close to a water source
How close should a water source be?
Water is essential for bees, not just for drinking but also for regulating the temperature inside the hive. Bees use water to cool the hive on hot days by spreading it on the comb and fanning it with their wings.
Ideally, a water source should be within a quarter of a mile from the hive.
However, if you can provide a closer source, even better. When determining the best place to put a beehive, always consider the proximity to a reliable water source.
Create a bee-friendly watering spot
You can create a bee-friendly watering spot if natural water sources aren’t readily available.
Fill a shallow dish or tray with water and place pebbles or marbles inside. These act as landing spots for bees, preventing them from drowning. Refill the water regularly, especially during hot days.
Related: How to Design and Build a Bee-Friendly Garden: Essential Tips
Positioning this watering spot close to your hive ensures bees spend less time and energy searching for water, increasing their efficiency and overall health.
Watch out for potential predators and threats
Common beehive predators and how to deter them
Beehives can attract various predators, from small insects to larger mammals. Some common predators include:
- Bears: Known for their love of honey, bears can cause significant damage to beehives. Electric fences are often the most effective deterrent.
- Skunks: These nocturnal creatures scratch the hive entrance at night, causing guard bees to come out, which they then eat. Elevating the hive or placing a rough surface like chicken wire around the hive can deter skunks.
- Wasps and hornets: These insects can invade hives to steal honey and prey on bees. Regular hive inspections and ensuring the hive entrance is appropriately sized can help deter these pests.
Related: How to Keep Bears Out of Hives: Best New Strategies for 2024
Potential predators are a thing to consider when looking for a good location for your hives. I recommend having some safety measures to protect your colonies, even if the area is generally predator-free.
Here are some safety measures I usually take to protect my beehives:
- Entrance reducers: These devices narrow the hive entrance, making it easier for guard bees to defend against intruders.
- Build a fence: Erecting a fence around the beehive area can deter larger predators like bears, raccoons, and skunks. It also provides an added layer of security against potential human threats.
- Install a cage or netting: Placing a cage or netting around the hive can prevent birds and other flying predators from accessing the hive. It also serves as a barrier against pests that might want to invade the hive.
- Add extra elevation: Adding some additional elevation – a wooden platform or stand – can protect your hives from ground-dwelling pests and predators. It also ensures better ventilation and reduces the risk of moisture-related issues.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best place to put a beehive?
The best place to put a beehive is in a location that offers a balance of sunlight and shade, protection from strong winds, and easy access to water. It should also be in an area safe from predators and potential threats. Consider the bee’s flight path and ensure no obstructions near the hive entrance.
Which direction should a beehive face?
Ideally, a beehive should face southeast to benefit from the morning sun. This orientation warms the hive early, stimulating bee activity. However, the specific direction can vary based on local conditions and climate.
Do beehives need to be in the sun?
Beehives benefit from morning sunlight but shouldn’t be exposed to direct sun all day, especially during hot summer months. A location that offers morning sun and afternoon shade is often ideal.
Do beehives need to be perfectly level?
Yes, beehives should be level. Bees build their comb perpendicular to the ground. A level hive ensures the comb is built straight, making hive management and inspections easier.
How close should a water source be to beehives?
A water source should ideally be within a quarter of a mile from the hive. However, the closer the water source, the better, as it reduces the energy bees expend searching for water.