Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Paint different-coloured symbols on the hive entrances.
If your hives are in rows, ensure there is at least 3 m (10 ft) between the rows.
Urban areas
Some may wonder why on earth a beekeeper would keep bees in a city. In fact, some of
the best honey comes from city parks and gardens, and some areas are richer in nectar
than many areas of the mono-crop countryside zones. There are three important things
to think about in urban areas: neighbours, neighbours and neighbours. You might want
bees, but your neighbours might not. They like to buy their honey in the safety of a
supermarket. They will be scared of bees because many of them think that honey is
produced by nice, fluffy bumble bees and so, when they see your fast, horrid little wasp-
like things zipping around all over the place, they will not always be pleased or happy
about it. Keep them happy by trying to adhere to the hive placements outlined below,
and always use known, gentle bees - and give them loads of honey.
The main complaints by neighbours in urban areas are as follows:
Swarms settling on their property.
Bees buzzing around angrily and stinging when you are inspecting the hives or
taking honey.
Bees using water sources on their property.
Yellow staining on washing and cars from bee droppings.
There are two ideal sites for urban bees.
Rooftops
Many beekeepers in urban areas use rooftops for their hives. These sites are ideal as
they are the least likely to affect neighbours and the hives, if well placed, can be kept out
of sight - out of sight, out of mind.
