Everything You Need to Know About Apiaries
Experienced beekeepers are the best resources for information about apiaries. An apiary is, by definition, a place where bees are kept, according to Webster’s Dictionary. Some beekeepers call apiaries bee yards, but one thing beekeepers agree on is that where beehives are to be kept should be planned ahead of time. There are some things to keep in mind that will increase the likelihood of successful placement of beehives. Whether starting with one beehive or 100, the planning must meet specific requirements to make life easier for bees and beekeepers.
Successful Beekeepers Plan Ahead
Anytime bees are to be housed in a location, planning is the best way to avoid some common pitfalls. It is always wise to plan before bees arrive, but in some cases, when a local beekeeper needs a new location for displaced bees, beekeepers may need to hustle to make decisions. If bees are on their way, consider placing hives on wood pallets so that if they need to be moved at some point, it is easier than moving hives individually.
Location Matters for Apiaries
Large spaces are not necessarily a requirement for successful apiary placement. Any space available should be thoughtfully designed for the bees and beekeepers, and proximity to one’s neighbors should be considered.
Linear or Random Hive Placement
Some beekeepers place their hives in a linear fashion, but some claim this can confuse bees when they are returning from a foraging trip. Beehives that are closest to food and water sources may distract bees, and those hives that are further along the line may lose residents. Instead, it is generally thought that placing beehives in a more random order allows bees to navigate more easily. Another suggested trick is painting beehives in different colors or placing colorful stickers on them so bees can more easily identify their home.
Apiaries Should Be Easy to Access
When planning, an apiary is best planned to be in a location that is far enough away from property structures that daily activity doesn’t’ interfere with bee jobs but also in the flight path of food and water sources. Regions with weather that will include snow and heavy rainstorms must be accessible by vehicle in case it is necessary to move beehives. Additionally, if the property borders public access roads, pest spraying done by the city may pose a risk to your bee colonies, so ask your city to keep apiaries a safe distance from those roads where they will regularly spray for mosquitoes and other pests. Pesticides used over large areas will affect bees if they are forced to collect nectar and pollen from sources that have been sprayed.
Water and Food Placement in Flight Path
Bees are anything but lazy. However, bees will find the closest resource for pollen, nectar, and water. If bees can’t locate enough food and water in their direct flight path, they will wander off. When bees wander due to a lack of resources, they may end up in your neighbor’s pool. Be thoughtful about where bees will be foraging based on the apiary location and ensure there are plenty of water locations for bees to draw the water they need. Plenty of water is critical for bees, not only for their survival but also for the hive’s health. A hive’s temperature is regulated significantly by the water returned to the hive, which is vital to the brooding process and raising future bee generations.
Bees are wild and can’t be trained to stay in a location. However, a well-planned apiary will make a difference in successfully retaining bee colonies and attracting swarms. Some beekeepers who get the planning right end up with swarming bees, making the apiary their new home. Anytime a beekeeper finds new bees in the mix, it is an exciting and rewarding experience!
Are you considering embarking on the great adventure of beekeeping? If so, it is best to visit with someone in your area and learn about their experiences and things unique to the region where you will be housing your hives. Beekeepers are in it for the bees and are often happy to share their personal experiences and tips, so it is not necessary to re-create the wheel. The beekeeping community is unified in its efforts to create safe habitats for bees, ensuring they have access to what they need to thrive. Although beekeeping isn’t for everyone, understanding what an apiary is and its relevance to beekeeping may give you a new appreciation for those colorful assemblies of boxes in the fields as you drive by properties with apiaries. Local honey has incredible health benefits, so purchasing some delicious local honey is always a great way to support bees in your area!
