How Close to Put Beehives Together

Apiaries can be placed close together and the bees will adapt.

Bee keeping is an ancient craft that allows for the production of natural honey and for pollination of gardens. Apiaries, the place where bee hives are kept, must be properly cared for, especially when adding a new hive to an existing setup. Drifting between the hives can occur, meaning bees from one hive will gradually move into the other hive, leaving an imbalance and dooming the lesser-populated hive. Once a hive is placed, you should leave it unmoved for a period of time to let the bees acclimate themselves with their new surroundings.

Things You'll Need

• Bee keeping suit
• 2 bee hives
• Measuring tape
• 4-foot-by-8-foot-canvas
• Staple gun
• Two 5 foot wooden stakes
• 4 cinder blocks

Instructions

1. Place one of your bee hives in your apiary on an elevated surface - a few cinder blocks or wooden planks will work. It should be in a location that is relatively shielded from elements such as snow and high winds; against a building is a good place for bee hives.

2. Measure a comfortable distance from one side of the hive and place the second hive on cinder blocks. You should be able to work comfortably between the hives without bumping into them, 4 feet apart is sufficient. It is a good idea to put the openings facing opposite directions to prevent drifting.

3. Insert wooden stakes into the ground so that the hives are between the stakes and the buildings. Wrap the ends of the canvas around the stakes and secure it to the stakes with the staple gun. This will serve as a wind screen for the bees.

4. Leave both hives where they are to let the bees get used to their new surroundings.

Tips & Warnings

• Hives can be placed apart much farther than 4 feet, but it makes sense to keep them confined to one area of your yard so they can share a wind screen.

• Avoid coming into contact with swarming bees.

• Always wear a safety bee mask when handling hives.

References

• Outdoor Place: Backyard Beekeeping
• Backwoods Home: Beekeeping Basics