You will want to setup your beehive in anticipation of your bees arriving. Bees are sold by retailers based upon your location; typically January - April and delivered in March - May. Check our list of HLH authorized retailers of packaged bees.
Choosing a Location for your beehive
You will want to set up your beehive in anticipation of your bees arriving.
Choosing a Location for Your Beehive
Location is very important for beekeeping. So, choosing an area that is sheltered, tucked away, near a water source, away from work or play is the best place.
Being sheltered is a great idea because it helps protect the hive during hot summers, high winds, freezing temperatures, or predators that may cause harm to the hive.
Having your hive hidden away in a quiet place will also help from the hive being tampered with by kids or even curious adults.
If possible, set up the hive near a water source is a great idea. Bees need water, and they will go to any water source that is close. Putting a bucket of water near the hive will help keep your bees near their hive.
Finally, you should also consider having the hive placement away from active work (BBQ, garden, play structures, etc) areas. Bees are not typically aggressive, unless they get scared or feel threatened. Therefore, if you or your children hang out a lot in your yard, you should probably find somewhere else to put the hive.
- Choose a site that is away from high traffic areas, work or play areas.
- Face the entrance of the hive away from winds that commonly blow; facing southeast if possible for maximum sun.
- Provide an additional water source (bucket, fountain, bird bath, etc).
- Make sure the hive is at least 12-14” off of the ground to help with any rain water, snowfall or predators. A Hive Stand is ideal for this.
- Place your Bottom Board on top of the Stand.
- Set one Hive Body Box with 9 Frames & Foundations using the In-Hive
- Feeder for the 10th frame, set squarely on top of the Bottom Board.
- Place Inner Cover squarely on top of the Hive Body Box.
- Place Flat Top squarely on top of the Inner Cover.
- Place the Entrance Reducer at the front with the smallest opening being used.
Things To Note:
- The entrance is like the runway at an airport - it is very active.
- Bees will always fly in and out the same direction.
Hive Overview
In this video you will learn what comes in our Backyard Beekeeping Kit with Accessories. You will also learn common terminology in what each part it referred to.
After watching this video you will learn each part of the hive, hive placement. Setting a hive and how to place each piece together.
Having your hive set up in early spring before your bees arrive as you will need to immediately install them upon receipt. A new hive should have the following parts:
- Hive Stand
- Bottom Board (Solid or Screened)
- Deep Box with 9 or 10 Deep Frames with Foundations (if you use an in-hive feeder you will need 9 wooden frames)
- Feeder (Entrance, Top or In Hive)
- Inner Cover
- Top (Flat, Pitched or Migratory)
- Entrance Reducer on smallest opening
Get all this information and more in our Free Beginner Beekeeping Guide!
