This discussion forum is meant for our new beekeepers to ask questions. Posting pictures is very helpful to describe your scenarios. All club members are invited to participate, help answer questions and support our newbees.
I haven't yet pre-ordered my bees? Where can I get bees? What are the delivery updates? Does anyone want to help me with a split? This is where we can share!
PSA: new beekeeper starting first hive
How far should I keep my bee hives away from new tree house? On my property I have one location in mind that I believe would be perfect spot (100s of yards away from property line, close water source, morning sun, wind break on North side). However, it’s also close to potential spot for new tree house for kids (about 100 ft). Am I asking for trouble or is the distance between enough? Can I use some form of deterrent (peppermint oil) to aid in keeping bees away? Thanks you in advance for any suggestions
Greg from Bedminster
Greg, I think 100ft is fine. I have my hives about 100 ft from my kid's tree house and I have never had a problem. And if I swarm landed in or near the tree house -that is an added bonus!!! Now with that said, Is the tree house directly in front of the hives? If so, then I would consider a move. But it sounds OK to me.
That’s so great that you’re putting so much thought into where you are placing your hives. It’s one of the first big decisions we make as beekeepers. I agree with Kurt. If you find that the bees are somehow interfering with the enjoyment of the treehouse, you can always move your hives 3 to 5 miles away for a period of time and then bring them back and place them in a different spot on your property.
Greg,
This is a picture for how close my hives are to our tree house/sky deck. Probably less than 100ft to the north in a maple tree - never had a problem. /k
I think the distance is fine. The direction is also important. South to Southeast facing entrance to the hive is ideal. This allows for maximum sun exposure (particularly during Winter).
Kurt wrote: Greg, This is a picture for how close my hives are to our tree house/sky deck. Probably less than 100ft to the north in a maple tree - never had a problem. /k
My bees are nasty today. I had to put work gloves on, they attacked and stung through them. Very unusual.
The hive is loaded from both brood boxes up thru the honey supers id left for em over winter. I have numerous queen cups, but couldnt complete my inspection to see what else is going on and make a split.
Going into 3rd season, this is new behavoir in my yard....
Has anyone ever seen this, looks like mold in 2 honey frames? The hive is in a dry area, slightly tipped forward to drain any rain away. Very strange.
We pulled both and replaced them with foundation.
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