For those new to the notion of keeping a hive of swarming bees as pets, to pollinate produce, or just to save the Earth; there is much to learn. Safe handling of the hives seems reasonably simple, but a wrong move or improperly donned bee suit can spell a minor disaster. With so many hives collapsing around the world, it is more important than ever for keepers to know how to do a safe and successful beehive relocation.
What must be understood about these most sophisticated creatures is that they require a period of reorientation when a hive is moved. Even if it is only being shifted a few feet away, it is a good idea to cover the hive with a small faggot of sticks. This temporary containment causes them to begin reorientation immediately, as they are tricked into thinking that a branch has fallen over the entrance.
This temporary block will actually trick your bees into reorienting themselves BEFORE they leave the hive. Successful reorientation starts inside the hive, then continues out as they try to get a feel for what has changed about their environment. This process, performed successfully by both the bees and their keeper, can prevent catastrophic bee loss.
There are still going to be some stragglers after a move, and loss of some bees may yet occur. It can be kept to a minimum if you place a clean and empty bee nucleus box as close to the old hive site as possible. Even though this is an unsettling and alien environment, it is still going to feel like home to them due to the magnetism of the Earth; and this gives you a chance to move them to the new hive.
It might be best to move your little dears during the winter months. When the temperature dips below fifty degrees Fahrenheit, they tend to stay safe and snug indoors. You might be able to get them all moved and set up anew without a single one of them being out and about, which can prevent the loss of the precious foragers of their colony.
Cold months are also a better time due to the stability of the hive the bees have created. The younger the crew or the hotter the temperature, the more delicate their hive may be. Destruction of their delicate new construction can be devastating to the colony, so waiting until it is cold out, and their construction is rigid and well attached is key.
Even an experienced beekeeper can make a stupid mistake, so we really must remind new bee people that their hive needs excellent ventilation during the move. Bees can become easily overheated, and agitating them during a move causes their index to rise. Keeping the box cushioned and the car as cold as possible helps to ensure the colony makes it to their new destination alive.
Keeping water sprayed around any ventilation openings is another way to help keep the bees from overheating. A hive can generate a great deal of heat to begin with, and overheated bees are dead bees. If driving them a few miles down the road or across a field, keep spraying water, crank up the air conditioning, and be sure that your hive is set on pillows, blankets, or Styrofoam to lessen the jostle.
What must be understood about these most sophisticated creatures is that they require a period of reorientation when a hive is moved. Even if it is only being shifted a few feet away, it is a good idea to cover the hive with a small faggot of sticks. This temporary containment causes them to begin reorientation immediately, as they are tricked into thinking that a branch has fallen over the entrance.
This temporary block will actually trick your bees into reorienting themselves BEFORE they leave the hive. Successful reorientation starts inside the hive, then continues out as they try to get a feel for what has changed about their environment. This process, performed successfully by both the bees and their keeper, can prevent catastrophic bee loss.
There are still going to be some stragglers after a move, and loss of some bees may yet occur. It can be kept to a minimum if you place a clean and empty bee nucleus box as close to the old hive site as possible. Even though this is an unsettling and alien environment, it is still going to feel like home to them due to the magnetism of the Earth; and this gives you a chance to move them to the new hive.
It might be best to move your little dears during the winter months. When the temperature dips below fifty degrees Fahrenheit, they tend to stay safe and snug indoors. You might be able to get them all moved and set up anew without a single one of them being out and about, which can prevent the loss of the precious foragers of their colony.
Cold months are also a better time due to the stability of the hive the bees have created. The younger the crew or the hotter the temperature, the more delicate their hive may be. Destruction of their delicate new construction can be devastating to the colony, so waiting until it is cold out, and their construction is rigid and well attached is key.
Even an experienced beekeeper can make a stupid mistake, so we really must remind new bee people that their hive needs excellent ventilation during the move. Bees can become easily overheated, and agitating them during a move causes their index to rise. Keeping the box cushioned and the car as cold as possible helps to ensure the colony makes it to their new destination alive.
Keeping water sprayed around any ventilation openings is another way to help keep the bees from overheating. A hive can generate a great deal of heat to begin with, and overheated bees are dead bees. If driving them a few miles down the road or across a field, keep spraying water, crank up the air conditioning, and be sure that your hive is set on pillows, blankets, or Styrofoam to lessen the jostle.
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