How to Relocate Bees

A bit of preparation makes moving bees an ordinary task.

It sometimes becomes necessary to move your beehive. You should always move it when you notice fewer foraging bees returning to the hive, or when the amount of pollen being stored dwindles. Taking a few precautions will ensure that the move is an uneventful experience for you and not too stressful on the bees.

Things You'll Need

• 2" staples
• Hammer
• Smoker
• Bellows
• Heavy mesh screen
• Tacks
• Vehicle
• Rope
• Bungee cord
• Bee net

Instructions

1. Staple the bottom board to the first brood chamber using the 2" staples and hammer a few days before the move.

2. Light the smoker. Using the bellows blow the smoke heavily over the top and around any openings of the hive.

3. Secure the heavy mesh screen to the top and entrances of the hive with tacks.

4. Start the motor of the vehicle. Place the hive in the vehicle with the combs parallel with the road. Secure the hive in place with ropes or bungee cords. Cover the hive with the bee net.

5. Drive carefully to the new location. Keep the motor running as you remove the bee net. Untie the ropes or remove the bungee cords.

6. Lift the hive from the vehicle and put in place. Remove the mesh screens from the top and entrances. Remove the staples keeping the first brood chamber in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Move bees at night to be sure all foragers are back in the hive. Use smoke liberally.

• Move bees less than 1 foot or more than 1 mile to make sure they find the hive. Moving it between 1 foot and 1 mile will confuse foragers. This is considered their normal flight range. They will try to go to the original position of the hive and become lost.

References

• Mid-Atlantic Apicultural Research and Extension Consortium: Moving Bees
• Dyce Laboratory for Honey Bee Studies: IPM: The Healthy Bee Hive -- Minimizing Stress