Find the optimal location for a standard beehive

Bees are remarkable creatures that are enjoyable to care for, but they're also quite fragile and need to be raised in specific conditions. We'll go over what you should look for when trying to establish a bee hive.

• A bee hive consists of open boxes called supers (a contraction of "superhive") in which the frames are hung.
• The frames are separated by a gap of about eight millimetres (1/3 inch), which is just wide enough for a single bee to pass through. This ensures that the bees will not make combs between the frames and makes for easier frame removal and hive inspection.
• When more room is needed for a growing bee population or for stores of honey, extra supers are stacked on top of those already in the hive.

The right location will get your colony of bees off to a good start and help ensure a productive future.

• One of the first things to look for is good drainage. Dampness can lead to disease and will encourage the growth of mould. Ideally, the hive should be set on a gentle slope so that rain can drain off rapidly. Avoid hollows or low spots where water is likely to collect. Raising the hive above the ground on bricks, concrete blocks, or other supports will help combat dampness as well.
• Allow plenty of flat working space (at least 8 metres or 9 yards) around the hive.
• The site for the hive should be sheltered from wind but open enough to allow good ventilation. Bees are susceptible to the cold and even a mild winter breeze can chill them enough to reduce their efficiency as honey collectors. In the winter, a good windbreak can mean the difference between survival and death for an entire colony of honeybees.
• Bees "burn" honey to maintain the hive's internal temperature of 34°C (93°F). You can reduce this waste by providing ample direct sunlight to keep the hive warm. Experienced apiarists usually orient the hive's entrance towards the east or south to take advantage of the morning sun. Afternoon shade is also important (especially in hot regions), since excessive heat can be just as deadly to bees as excessive cold.
• Be sure there's a good supply of flowering forage plants (sources of nectar and pollen) before setting up a hive. Since bees can easily forage several kilometres (or miles) from the hive, this is usually only a problem in densely built-up areas.
• If neighbours live close by, screen the hive with a tall hedge or picket fence. This not only protects the hive, but will force bees to fly high above any passersby.
• Be wary of setting up your hive on a manicured lawn. The noise from a lawn mower can easily disturb and unsettle the colony.

Follow these guidelines and you'll have a healthy, happy colony of buzzing buddies. Oh, and honey. Lots of honey. Enjoy!