Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Keeping Bees in Your Neighborhood
You probably know of neighborhoods that don't welcome weedy lawns or loose dogs
or cats. Some areas also have restrictions on beekeeping. You need to find out about
the ordinances of your city or town, because local zoning may limit your ability to keep
bees. There are seldom regulations that do not allow any beehives on a suburban lot,
but there are often specific, restrictive guidelines for managing those that you can have.
However, some places strictly forbid having bees. Dig below the surface to find out
everything you can before beginning.
It is also important that you investigate your neighbors' take on your new hobby. It
may be completely legal to have bees on your property, but if your neighbors don't tol-
erate your interest, you'll have to make some compromises. People's reactions to bees
and beekeeping can be unpredictable. A few will be enthusiastic, most won't care one
way or the other, and a few may have an extremely negative opinion of insects that sting
and swarm. It's that last group you need to work with. If you are determined to keep
bees, a little knowledge will go a long way, and there are some things you can do to
allay a reluctant neighbor's concerns.
Often, the cause of a negative reaction from a neighbor is because of someone in the
family being allergic to bee stings. Without being confrontational, you should find out
if that person is really allergic to bees. Often people lump all flying insects together and
yellow jackets or wasps may be the problem, while honey bees are actually not. It is
true that a small percent of the population does have a life-threatening allergic reaction
to an insect sting (just as some have serious allergic reactions to peanuts or shellfish,
for example). Most, however, have a temporary, normal reaction. Bee-sting symptoms
include slight swelling at the site of the sting and a day or two of itching and redness.
This is the typical response to a honey bee sting and should be expected. However, this
topic is not a medical text. You, your family, and your cautious neighbors should be
very certain about allergic reactions to honey bee stings before you introduce a hive. Do
not be alarmed, but do be careful.
Positioning Your Hives
Once you have considered everyone else's comfort level, it is a good idea to consider
the comfort and happiness of your bees. Every family pet, including bees, needs a place
that's protected from the afternoon sun and sudden showers and provides access to
ample fresh water. Bees should be given the same consideration. Place colonies where
they'll have some protection from the hot afternoon sun. A bit of shade is good for both
the bees and for you. All day sun is alright, but a bit of afternoon shade also affords
comfort for the beekeeper when working on a hot summer day, but not too much for too
long.
