Herbicide for clearing up apiary

[PBee]

Its good to see all the low tech, environmentally friendly replies.
The hive stands I use now are all one piece steel stands so I just put something impervious to growth directly under each hive stand with a big enough footprint to stop vegetation reaching the hive. Old iron roof sheathing or suchlike and then just clear paths as needed with a scythe or mower.
I do have recessive tidiness gene though!

 

[dpearce4]

I have allowed the Nettles grow right up to the front of my hives, the bees use the leaves as landingboards and sunloungers. It also seems to be stopping wasps attacking the hives. they are looking for entrances but seem to be confused by the nettles.

 

[Little John]

I think mulching with wood chippings etc is the best idea, but if you really must go chemical, consider ammonium sulphamate.

Not approved by the EU as a herbicide (NOT banned, just not approved) - available from Ebay for use as a compost accelerator.

Quite possible to accidently spill some around your hives at night as you trip in the dark on your way to the compost heap.

Has had good reviews as an environmentally friendly chemical from Henry Doubleday, RHS, National Trust etc.

 

[peteinwilts]

tarmac...

seriously, for the sake of a couple of hives I would go as the others have suggested with weed control fabric and bark.

I tend to just stamp the weeds down around the hive to form a carpet. Mine are also on concrete slabs. If grass grows up into the hive, the bees deal with it.

I have an industrial strimmer with metal blades but so far have not needed to use it. One of these days I will find a second hand petrol strimmer that uses cord instead of blades