Can I Beekeep in my backyard?
You can keep bees in your backyard – subject to the laws in the area where you live – but you need to make sure they have a clear flight path in and out of the hive. ‘Orienting the hive so that bees fly across a path, patio area or part of the garden which is used regularly is not a good idea,’ explains Pete.
Can you Beekeep year round?
Did you know that beekeeping is a year-round exercise? Even in locations far from the equator, there is something to do with your hives every month of the year.
What time of year are bees active?
spring
Three of the most commonly encountered bees by homeowners are honey bees, carpenter bees and bumble bees. These bees usually become active in the spring with the warm weather and flowering of plants. They remain active throughout the summer and into the fall.
When should you open bee hives in the spring?
A sunny day with temperatures in the 50’s will do to open hives, but if conditions are cloudy or windy, wait until the thermometer reads at least 60. There is no point in pulling frames until it’s warm enough to manage any problems you may find, and disturbing the cluster too early can be harmful.
Can my Neighbours keep bees?
“Beekeepers have the right to keep bees. Their neighbours have the right to enjoy their property in peace. Badly kept and positioned colonies can be a nuisance”. It is a beekeeper’s responsibility to avoid their bees becoming a nuisance and to take appropriate steps if they so become.
When should you stop feeding bees for winter?
A: Congratulations on getting your first bees. It is the adventure of a lifetime. Once daytime temperatures drop below 57 degrees stop feeding liquid syrup and switch to a solid sugar board.
Where should you place a beehive?
Ideally the hive will be placed in a location that is protected from harsh winds billowing into the hive entrances during the winter. Any obstruction blocking wind from the hive is good for temperature regulation, and can prevent hives from tipping in heavy storms.
What month do honey bees come out?
Because of their ability to produce large amounts of honey, beekeepers have a true “bee season”. This generally lasts from February/March to September/October. The spring season brings the excitement of honey bee swarms. Then hopefully, the colonies grow and become productive.
What should I look for when inspecting bee hives?
Inspect the Frames Look for her long, slender, unstriped abdomen and for a circle of workers around her. If you can’t find the queen, it’s important to find eggs, which indicate the queen was there in the past one to three days. Check for any parasites or pests—mites, wax moth larvae, foulbrood, etc.