Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
blocks of Brown-stones that are connected all the way to the top, lots of heat-hold-
ing cement and asphalt hotter than a pistol all summer long, alleys (some with
garbage cans—and garbage collectors, too), living areas, beehives on rooftops, pi-
geon coops, pigeons in the street, flower shops and green grocery stores on every
block, bumper-to-bumper parking on the street, window boxes, fire escapes and
front stoops with flower pots and barbeques, balconies with flowers, and food, and
kids. Also consider: doormen below; empty lots filled with the flotsam and jetsam
of city life, including flowering weeds, garbage, old tires with water inside, boxes
and furniture, some lots fenced in (some not); swarms that can close businesses,
streets, or entire city blocks until the bees are removed (by whom?), or those bees
leave on their own to go who knows where.
But urban beekeeping also means that yesterday you were in the country, and
today, there's a development right next door—soybeans one day, hundreds of
people, golf courses, and swimming pools the next. Different than dense city
dwelling, but still a challenge.
Up High on the Roof
“Out of sight, out of mind” holds true in the urban jungle. That is one of the reasons
keeping bees on a rooftop is popular. People below never know there is a colony of
honey bees up there.
Strong or constant wind can reduce bees' flight time and keep them at home. This
requires you to specially plan the time you work your bees simply because it's easier
working a colony when most of the inhabitants are away. Installing a windbreak against
the prevailing wind or a two-sided screen will help the bees.
A hive stand will alleviate the strain caused by bending, stooping, and kneeling while
working. Be careful that the hive stand legs do not poke through protective membranes
on the roof.
Moving Your Equipment
Before installing hives on a rooftop, you must evaluate accessibility. Another consider-
ation when keeping bees on a roof is getting everything up, and then down. Before you
assemble (or order) your equipment, measure all doors, windows, or other openings to
be sure assembled equipment can pass through them.
Even with adequate openings getting a full-sized colony off a roof can be a chal-
lenge. Outside ladders or fire escapes can be steep and narrow—which is not an issue
when moving empty, lightweight equipment but is potentially dangerous when remov-
ing equipment that is heavy, bulky, and full of bees. Also consider if your roof is access-
ible only through the apartment building's hallways, elevators, and lobbies. Removing
