Did you know that bees are responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of the food we eat? These tireless pollinators are essential for our ecosystem and agriculture, but sometimes, circumstances require us to move their hives. Whether you're facing urban development, relocating your apiary, or dealing with a change in land ownership, knowing how to safely and effectively move bees is crucial for their survival and your peace of mind. Moving a hive improperly can lead to stress, disorientation, and even colony collapse, so understanding the best practices is paramount for any beekeeper.
The process of moving bees can seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right techniques, it can be done successfully. Considering the complex social structure of a bee colony and their reliance on location for navigation, moving them requires a delicate approach. By understanding the bee's perspective and following these guidelines, you can minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition to their new home. This knowledge empowers beekeepers to make responsible decisions and protect their valuable colonies when relocation becomes necessary.
What are the key considerations for moving bees successfully?
What time of day is best for moving bees?
The best time of day to move bees is at night, preferably after they have stopped flying and have all returned to the hive. This is typically a few hours after sunset, when it's dark and cool.
Moving bees at night ensures that the vast majority of the colony is inside the hive. During daylight hours, many bees are out foraging, and moving the hive then would result in them becoming disoriented and potentially lost, weakening the colony. The darkness also minimizes stress on the bees, as they are less active and less likely to become agitated during the move. Cooler temperatures at night further help to keep the bees calm. However, preparing for a nighttime move should begin earlier in the day. Securing the hive entrances with screen or staples to prevent escape must be done *before* nightfall. This also gives the bees time to adjust to the confinement. Have all your equipment, such as straps, a hand truck, and your destination prepared ahead of time. Remember to wear appropriate protective gear, including a bee suit, gloves, and a veil, even at night, as bees can still sting if disturbed. A red light flashlight can be helpful, as bees are less sensitive to red light.How far can I move bees without them getting disoriented?
The general rule of thumb is to move bees either less than 3 feet or more than 3 miles to prevent disorientation. Moving them less than 3 feet forces them to reorient to their immediate surroundings. Moving them more than 3 miles ensures that when they forage, they are in an entirely new area and won't return to the original location.
When bees forage, they create a "mental map" of the surrounding area, using landmarks and the sun's position to navigate back to their hive. If you move the hive a short distance within their existing foraging range, the bees will often return to the original location, becoming confused and unable to find their way back to the new hive location. This leads to drifting, where bees attempt to enter other hives in the original location, and ultimately a weakened and declining colony.
The 3-mile rule helps bees recognize an entirely new foraging area. They'll perform orientation flights to learn the new landmarks and re-establish their navigational routes. While moving a hive this distance can be more challenging logistically, it's far more effective at preventing disorientation and ensuring the bees successfully adapt to their new location.
What precautions should I take to avoid stings when moving bees?
To minimize stings when moving bees, wear complete protective gear including a bee suit (or ventilated jacket and pants), gloves (nitrile or leather with gauntlets), and a veil. Use a smoker liberally to calm the bees, work slowly and deliberately to avoid agitating them, and choose a time of day when the bees are least active, like early morning or late evening.
Moving bees inherently increases the risk of stings, so meticulous preparation is essential. Before even approaching the hive, ensure your protective gear is in good condition and fits properly, sealing any gaps where bees could enter. Have your smoker well-lit and fueled with appropriate material (like burlap or pine needles) to produce cool, white smoke. The smoke disrupts the bees' alarm pheromones and makes them less likely to sting. Keep a hive tool handy for prying frames and boxes without jarring the hive excessively. When moving the bees, avoid sudden movements, loud noises, or bumping the hive. These actions can startle the bees and trigger a defensive response. If possible, enlist a helper to share the workload and minimize the time spent exposed to potential stings. Have a sting kit readily available, containing antihistamines or an epinephrine auto-injector (if prescribed by your doctor due to an allergy), in case of an allergic reaction. Always be mindful of the weather conditions; avoid moving bees during rain or extreme heat, as this can stress them and make them more defensive.Do I need to feed bees before or after moving them?
It's generally best to feed bees *after* moving them, once they've been settled in their new location for a short period (a few hours to overnight). Avoid feeding immediately before a move if possible.
Moving bees is a stressful event for the colony. Feeding them immediately before the move could potentially exacerbate this stress, leading to increased activity and the possibility of overheating within the hive, especially if the move is during a warmer part of the day or involves a longer journey. Providing food *after* they are settled gives them a much-needed energy boost to reorient themselves and begin foraging in the new location. This also allows them to replenish any resources spent during the move itself. Feeding after the move is particularly important if the move involves a significant distance, if the weather is poor and limits foraging, or if the hive was already low on stores. A simple sugar syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio) is a suitable option. You can use a frame feeder, top feeder, or entrance feeder. Always observe the bees to ensure they are actively taking the syrup.How do I prepare the new location for the relocated hive?
Preparing the new location is crucial for a successful hive relocation. Before moving your bees, ensure the new site is ready by selecting a suitable location, clearing any obstacles, and providing a stable and level base for the hive. This proactive approach minimizes stress on the colony and maximizes their chances of thriving in their new environment.
Expanding on this, the ideal location should offer morning sun and afternoon shade, especially during hot summer months. The location should be protected from strong winds and easily accessible for you to conduct regular inspections and maintenance. Ensure there's a reliable water source nearby, like a birdbath or shallow dish filled with pebbles and water, to prevent the bees from becoming a nuisance to neighbors searching for water. Also, clear the area of any weeds, tall grass, or other debris that might obstruct the hive entrance or create damp conditions conducive to pests. Finally, establish a stable, level base for the hive to prevent it from tipping over. This could be paving stones, concrete blocks, or a purpose-built hive stand. A slightly elevated base will also help to protect the hive from moisture and pests. Ensuring the area is clear of any strong odors, such as fresh paint or certain types of vegetation, will also help the bees settle in more quickly.What's the best way to secure the hive during transport?
The best way to secure a beehive during transport is to strap it down tightly with ratchet straps, ensuring the hive body, bottom board, and lid are firmly connected and won't shift during the journey. The hive entrance should be screened off to prevent bees from escaping, and adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating.
Securing the hive properly minimizes stress on the bees and prevents accidents. Ratchet straps are ideal because they provide a strong and adjustable hold, allowing you to tighten them securely without overtightening and damaging the hive. Run the straps around the entire hive, ensuring they encompass the bottom board, hive body, and lid. Pay special attention to areas that might be weak or prone to separation. Using multiple straps provides redundancy and distributes the force more evenly. Screening the entrance is essential for preventing bee escapes. You can purchase dedicated hive entrance screens or use a piece of hardware cloth cut to size and secured with staples or tape. This prevents the bees from flying out while still allowing for some airflow. Proper ventilation is vital, especially during warmer weather. You can achieve this by using a screened bottom board or creating a small gap under the lid, ensuring it's still securely strapped down. A ventilated migratory top cover is an excellent option for transport.How long should I wait before opening the hive after moving?
Generally, it's best to wait at least 3 days, and preferably a full week, before opening a relocated beehive. This allows the bees time to re-orient themselves to their new surroundings and re-establish their sense of home. Opening the hive too soon can disrupt this process and lead to disorientation, drifting, and potentially absconding.
Waiting allows the bees to properly re-orient. During this period, the foragers will perform orientation flights to map the new landscape around the hive. These flights are crucial for them to efficiently find nectar and pollen. If you open the hive prematurely, you risk confusing the bees who haven't yet locked in the location, leading them to get lost or, worse, drift into neighboring hives. This drifting can spread disease and disrupt the overall health of your apiary. Furthermore, moving is stressful for bees. The jostling and changes in environment can disrupt their normal routines and even injure some of the colony members. Giving them a week allows them to recover from this stress, re-establish the brood nest, and resume normal colony functions. Consider providing supplemental feeding (sugar syrup and pollen patty) if resources are scarce in the new location to help them recover faster. Observe the hive entrance for activity - heavy traffic usually means they are doing well. Lethargic activity and large groups clustered on the outside may mean something is wrong and it would be prudent to open the hive sooner to assess.And that's the buzz on moving your bees! Hopefully, this guide has given you the confidence to tackle your relocation project. Remember to take it slow, stay calm, and prioritize the safety of both yourself and your colony. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll be back soon for more beekeeping tips and tricks!