Establishing an Apiary

Level Ground: Hives need to be level. Is the area where you’ll set your stand(s) able to be leveled easily? Avoid areas with excessive water runoff or flooding.

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Stands: What kind of stand will you put your hives on? Keeping them off the ground is advisable to avoid small hive beetle access. Elevating your hives approximately 20” makes working boxes easier on the back. Ensure good access to the back of your hives - working hives from behind is preferable. Be ware of tree limbs overhead that could fall on hives.

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Equipment Storage: Where will you store your equipment? Is it easily accessible from the apiary? Or will you be able to maneuver a cart to the hives? This is important when it comes to honey harvest. If you have more than a few hives you’ll want to be able to access your hives with a vehicle.

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Hive Orientation: It’s best to have your hive entrance facing South. If that’s not possible East or West is preferable to North. Make sure you hive entrances are not facing any area that will be bothered by bee traffic.

Visibility / Security: Do you want your hives to be visible to others? Remember your hives are incredibly valuable and there is bee theft.

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Full to Partial Sun: It’s best to locate hives where they will get full sun. This helps to keep the hives warm in winter and prevents some pest pressure.

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Ongoing Maintenance: Bees can sometimes be bothered by vibrations such as those from a lawn mower or weed eater. It’s important to keep the area around your hives clear. Will the person doing maintenance have access to a protective veil or jacket?

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Children & Pets: Generally pets will learn quickly what distance they should keep from hives. Dogs in general will only get stung once or twice and they learn. Do keep Benadryl on hand in case of a sting - find out your vets recommendation for dose. Cats generally understand to stay away.

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Be sure children understand safe boundaries. Consider outlining with spray paint, chalk or a fence until everyone finds their harmony.

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Neighbors: Not all city ordinances / HOA rules take bee behavior into account. If you are required to face your hives toward a neighbors home or an active area of your property you might consider creating a fly over barrier to direct the flight path of your bees.

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