Where should I place my hives?

Careful consideration needs to go into deciding where to place your new beehive. There are a number of factors that need to be considered.

• Permission of landowner.

• Shelter from prevailing winds.

• Sunlight. Apiaries should receive as much sunlight as possible.

• Food sources. Bees will require good nectar and pollen sources within foraging distance.

• Good access for the safety and convenience of the beekeeper. Ensure at least wheelbarrow access so there is no need to lift heavy honey boxes long distances.

• Consider your neighbours as bee droppings on bee’s flight path can soil houses, cars and laundry. Ensure your neighbours are not going to be inconvenienced by low flying bees. Locating hives behind a fence, trees etc forces bees to fly high. Bees also require water so bees collecting water from your neighbour’s swimming pools etc is bound to be detrimental for neighbourly relationships.