Avoiding obstacles for the bees
It is important to avoid obstacles that make it difficult or troublesome to fly for the bees.
The grass and vegetation around the hive should be cut short (always while using appropriate personal protection), so that it does not obstruct the hive opening and prevents or makes it difficult for foraging bees to enter and exit the hive.
Bees must avoid crossing busy roads or railways to avoid the risk of impact with vehicles. If necessary, it is important that the bees cross these areas at a flight height that ensures safety. This can be done by putting up a physical barrier (hedge, wall, cloth, etc.) that forces the bees to fly upwards and reach a safe height before flying over the road.
Avoid installing hives in very windy areas: strong wind prevents flight activity. If this is not possible, install 'green' barriers to protect the apiary from wind exposure.
Tall grass in front of the hive entrance can, however, bring several advantages: reduction of drift and looting, reduction of wasp attack, and partial protection from the wind. Reduce the strip of tall grass in front of the hives to a minimum (to avoid fires, etc.).
Warnings: May depend on the regulations in force in the given country.
Please check out the B-THENET Platform for the Best Beekeeping Practices tailored to each country in the national language, co-developed with practicing beekeepers in the National B-THENET Centres of those countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden).
BEST PRACTICES AND INNOVATIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE BEEKEEPING
Ongoing | 2022-2026
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden