Hive positioning

[Popparand]

How close can/should you put hives together? I have a stand that could be too short for two hives. If the entrances are at 90 degrees to each other does that make any difference? (They are both nationals)

 

[enrico]

How close can/should you put hives together? I have a stand that could be too short for two hives. If the entrances are at 90 degrees to each other does that make any difference? (They are both nationals)

As close as you like. Three inches with entrances facing the same way works too!
My only warning, if one falls over try not to get them in a position where you get a pack of cards effect!!!! Been there! Also remember you need to inspect so if they are close to each other that confines inspection to one side possibly!
The bees don't mind how close they are though!
E

 

[Popparand]

As close as you like. Three inches with entrances facing the same way works too!
My only warning, if one falls over try not to get them in a position where you get a pack of cards effect!!!! Been there! Also remember you need to inspect so if they are close to each other that confines inspection to one side possibly!
The bees don't mind how close they are though!
E

Thanks enrico. I'm thinking a couple of feet so that should give them plenty of elbow room.

 

[citrus]

regarding positioning there was some chat about mites and how drifting between nearby hives is relevant which was quite interesting

https://theapiarist.org/crime-doesnt-pay/

"The paper emphasises the impact of hive separation. Drifting of drones and workers was predominantly over short distances, at least until the robbing frenzy started.

This suggests that colonies closely situated within an apiary are ‘at risk’ should one of them have high mite levels (irrespective of the level of robbing).

If you treat with a miticide, treat all co-located colonies.

However, drifting over 300 m was also observed. This implies that apiaries need to be well separated. If your neighbour has bees in the next field they are at risk if you don’t minimise your mite levels … or vice versa of course."

 

[Popparand]

regarding positioning there was some chat about mites and how drifting between nearby hives is relevant which was quite interesting

https://theapiarist.org/crime-doesnt-pay/

"The paper emphasises the impact of hive separation. Drifting of drones and workers was predominantly over short distances, at least until the robbing frenzy started.

This suggests that colonies closely situated within an apiary are ‘at risk’ should one of them have high mite levels (irrespective of the level of robbing).

If you treat with a miticide, treat all co-located colonies.

However, drifting over 300 m was also observed. This implies that apiaries need to be well separated. If your neighbour has bees in the next field they are at risk if you don’t minimise your mite levels … or vice versa of course."

My bees are my darlings, and I do not encourage them to associate with other insects of unknown origin

 

[madasafish]

Think how you inspect. Space for you, any supers and roofs to be removed, frames etc..

Then think about hives 5 (or 4 or 8) supers high. Where will you place supers when inspecting?

Some thinking in advance about logistics can make hive positionning take on different aspects..

 

[Stiffy]

As close as you like. Three inches with entrances facing the same way works too!
My only warning, if one falls over try not to get them in a position where you get a pack of cards effect!!!! Been there! Also remember you need to inspect so if they are close to each other that confines inspection to one side possibly!
The bees don't mind how close they are though!
E

Most of mine are set out in row all facing the same way, on B&Q decking boards and supported by concrete blocks. I have never had a problem and if drifting happens it doesn't appear to be significant problem
S

 

[For want of a better word]

Providing the hives are in the sun, away from any occupied buildings and out of sight of thieving pikies.... put them as close together as you like.. providing you can work them!

Chons da

 

[Finman]

.
I keep hives clearly apart, that I can work between hives. And around hives.

If wind blows behind me, it moves my odor into the hive and the hive becomes nervous.

And sun direction too, like Cheer says.

 

[For want of a better word]

.


If wind blows behind me, it moves my odor into the hive and the hive becomes nervous.

.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idrd9WUWGFs

Yeghes da

 

[Finman]

.
*** you see, fart goes away from your target.

You need a degree of fartology and climatology.