subject: 4 Things To Consider When Placing Your Beehive [print this page] If you are looking to keep bees, one of the things you must consider is the best location to place your hive. There are many different models of beehive available, but one thing the all have in common is that they must be put in an area that will help the bees thrives. There are a few tips to bear in mind when you are building your hive regarding where to place it.
Flowers - Bees leaving the hive in search of food do so in a straight line. That is, when they emerge form the mouth of the hive they will not turn around or go left or right, they will carry on in the direction they are facing. Beehives should be built with the mouth of the hive facing the nearest collection of plants or flowers. If your hive is in a garden, try to direct the bees towards the nearest field.
Predators - Bees have many natural predators in their local environment, including skunks and bears. It is important to remember this when building the hive, as you should try and keep the hive as far away from areas where these other animals might live as possible. Try to disguise your hive a little so that other animals might not notice it as well.
Water - Bees need a readily available source of water in order to produce honey. Every beekeeper should make sure they have some water as close to the hive as possible. Putting pebbles in the water will also allow the bees to drink without drowning as they can stand on the stones. Having water around will also stop the bees going to other less suitable sources, such as a neighbors pool!
Weather - Bees work throughout the year, and as such there needs to be some protection provided against adverse weather conditions. This should also allow the beekeeper easy access to the hive at all times of the year as well, in order that they might check on their bees when it gets cold or there is a lot of rain.
