Hive entrance height from the ground

[BernardBlack]

Currently have hive on a stand but would prefer to lower it coming into winter (onto breeze blocks), due to winds etc.

Anything I should worry about having entrance nearer the ground? I'd imagine any insect/animal capable of getting near the entrance would get near regardless of height?

 

[drex]

The only thing to worry about would be your back!

 

[Millet]

If the hive is up to winter weight and strapped together with a cargo / ratchet strap it will take some strong winds to shift it, unless you are in a bad wind tunnel i would leave it be.

 

[BernardBlack]

If the hive is up to winter weight and strapped together with a cargo / ratchet strap it will take some strong winds to shift it, unless you are in a bad wind tunnel i would leave it be.

I have trees sheltering on all sides to an extent, although less in winter when leaves are shed. Apiary is surrounded by netting/windbreak (just not high enough).

Hive should be heavy, but just worried it might be a bit top heavy due to being on the stand.

 

[Poly Hive]

The bottom line is it needs to be where you are happy to have it and adjust it to suit.

No point in fretting for 7 months is there?

PH

 

[Gilberdyke John]

I have trees sheltering on all sides to an extent, although less in winter when leaves are shed. Apiary is surrounded by netting/windbreak (just not high enough).

Hive should be heavy, but just worried it might be a bit top heavy due to being on the stand.

Even without leaves trees or hedges will significantly disrupt air streams. My hives are on concrete block stands ranging from 1 block high (9") to 3 blocks high (27") but the majority are on two blocks high (18") and I find these most convenient for handling. All hives are stable and have a brick on the roof for wind resistance. Unless you suffer hurricane conditions or the arrangement of the trees create peculiar vortices (think Ferrybridge or Fiddlers Ferry cooling towers falling down) i suggest the risk to a strapped or weighted hive is low.

 

[PapaLazarou]

the majority are on two blocks high (18") and I find these most convenient for handling...

This is the most important thing. You can replace your bees (as harsh as that seems) but you can't replace your back, and stretching or stooping to lift heavy objects will eventually catch up with you (assuming you aren't carrying a back injury already)...

 

[user 6228]

The bees would prefer it to be 5metres or higher. They must have found an advantage in doing so to develop such a behaviour. Not achievable for most Beekeepers, so we are left with "As high as is practical"

 

[wessexmario]

vertical obstacles will give an effective wind shelter for a distance of three to five times their height.

I have hive stands of different heights and have been considering doing the opposite for the lowest ones, ie raising them.

I'm more concerned about the effects of damp and cold, or snow, all of which will have more effect the closer to the ground. The lower the hives are, the closer they are to the coldest layer of air and and any cold mist rising from the soil in early mornings.
While the bees will quite adequately survive anything a normal British climate will throw at them, the small decreases in temperature of lowered hives in the coldest air may lengthen the time it takes for the hives to warm up on winter and spring mornings and so delay the time that they start foraging.
May be a small but significant difference when added up of lost hours each day over the early months.

 

[REDWOOD]

I would have thought further up than down to keep it away from a damp ground.

 

[madasafish]

My hives are 50cms above ground - on our lawn.
Easy to work with. My back dislikes bending and lifting..
Space above ground essential as we are in a frost pocket at times.
Allows grass to grow under hives.
Enough space to strim grass under hives (my bees ignore that).
Less likely to knock vital parts by accident with lawnmower - bees ignore the lawnmower but some dislike their home being jolted by it...
Drier.

I strap all hives down to the stands.. ALL year... have had a TBH blown # over in 70mph winds but no Langstroths or nucs.

# wind got under hinged roof, opened it and it acted like a sail!