Start Keeping Bees > Hive Location
Safety of people and domestic animals is the prime consideration in locating a hive, with beekeeper convenience a long way second!
Prime target locations are your own or a nearby garden or on a friendly farmer's land.
With regard to a domestic garden, it is a very convenient location but it is absolutely essential that under no circumstances should children or pets be able to get near the hive. Bees are not aggressive - they are defensive. If the hive is approached, the bees will feel threatened and are likely to attack. Upon doing so, a sting releases alarm pheromone, which encourages further aggression.
With further regard to the use of a domestic garden, practicalities include flying height, flight path, water sources, the soiling of washing and where a swarm is likely to alight. Public relations with neighbors is an essential consideration. Having hives close to hand is a significant advantage, and the variety of forage available from domestic gardens produces among the most interesting and flavoursome of honeys.
Landowners are increasingly sympathetic to the environmental cause of which honey bees are core. Protection from livestock and separation from public footpaths are vital after which a key consideration is vehicular access on account of the need to convey hopefully heavy supers of honey. Google earth is an excellent tool for locating out apiary sites and further information may be found in our guide. Please refer to our guide to choosing an out apiary
In general terms, bees thrive when protected from cold winds. Frost pockets and damp locations are to be avoided, early morning sun is valuable as is some shade from the intensive heat of mid-day.
Deciding where to locate an apiary is a critical, albeit not final, decision as hives can be moved. You are advised to seek expert help when choosing an apiary site or when intending to move bees.