How to Raise Bees: Best Apiary Setups, Locations, and Avoiding Challenges

Beekeeping can be a rewarding and fascinating hobby or profession, but getting it right requires understanding the best apiary setups and beekeeping equipment. There are very few things I consider myself an expert on, but one thing I’m confident in is having tried almost every apiary setup known to man … or bee! Over the years we have had our bees placed in so many different configurations one would think we were doing a field study on the topic! Unintentionally, there may be some truth to that.

Best Apiary Configuration for Small-Scale Beekeepers

The best apiary configuration we had in the beginning was simple—a single hive on a stand, spaced at least a hive and a half apart from another hive. This setup is perfect for managing up to 10 hives. It allows flexibility and space for the bees to thrive without being overcrowded. When managing fewer than 10 hives, single hive stands offer the best solution for maximizing efficiency and preventing crowding.

However, as your apiary grows, you will likely face the challenge of cutting costs, especially when it comes to hive stands. For larger apiaries, the cost of individual stands can become prohibitive. In such cases, exploring other beekeeping equipment options, like multihive platforms, can be an effective way to maintain the number of hives while managing costs. When setting up your apiary, orienting the hive entrances in different directions is crucial for maintaining healthy bee populations by helping with homing and drifting issues. 

The Challenges of Platform Beekeeping

As our apiary grew, we tried a platform-beekeeping method using cinder blocks as a base with a framework of 2x6 lumber and a solid surface (we used HardieBacker cement board) on top. This system worked well for organizing rows of six to eight hives and leaving enough room to access tools, smokers, and the hives themselves. For a while at least, it was a great setup.

But as the need for more hives increased, the space between the hives began to shrink, which made it harder to work them efficiently. Platform beekeeping seemed like a good idea at first, but it had its limitations. The real turning point came when someone (not me, wink wink) suggested adding extra hives between the rows, positioning them opposite each other to avoid robbing. However, this created a big issue. Working on the hives became incredibly difficult, as the new setup presented a new problem. No matter where we stood while working bees, we were blocking a hive’s entrance. We learned the hard way that overcrowded hives and poor hive access can lead to frustration and inefficiency.

Another lesson learned using platform beekeeping—it took years for it to happen, but the HardieBacker cement board top turned out to be a bad idea too. HardieBacker is a great surface when it’s mounted vertically. When it’s flat—not so much. Over the years rain caused the board to soften and crumble with weight on top of it. Ask me how I know—no, don’t. To prevent this issue from happening again, we replaced it with treated plywood and in some cases left it as an open framework, which improved airflow and prevented moisture buildup under the hives.

Drifting and Robbing: Key Challenges in Apiary Layouts

Drifting and robbing are common problems that occur with platform beekeeping. Drifting occurs when bees from one hive are attracted to another or simply get misdirected, leading to unbalanced populations and inefficiency. Robbing happens when bees from different hives invade another hive in search of honey. When hives are situated close together and facing the same direction, robbing can be exacerbated.

One strategy I found to help prevent these issues is alternating the hive entrances’ and ensuring there is enough space between them. In doing so, you create a buffer zone that reduces confusion and minimizes the chances of drifting and robbing. This approach, often discussed in beekeeping blogs, is an effective way to maintain the health and productivity of your hives.

Pallet Bees: A Cost-Effective Solution for Small-Scale Beekeepers

For small-scale beekeepers, using pallets to organize hives can be a great option. Many beekeepers use them, especially those working with a limited budget. These pallets are often available for free from various sources, such as generator installers, making them a cost-effective solution.

To optimize space, you can even cut pallets in half and add short legs. This simple modification allows you to maximize the available space in your apiary and keep the hives organized. Whether you are managing a small or large apiary, using pallets can significantly increase efficiency and save money on beekeeping equipment.

Ideal Locations for Beekeeping

Choosing the right apiary location is essential to the health and productivity of your bees. Here are some important tips to consider when deciding where to place your hives:

• Aim for afternoon shade in summer and afternoon sun in winter. Bees perform best when they are sheltered from the heat during the summer but able to soak up the warmth of the sun during the colder months.
• Hive entrances should face away from prevailing winds and should not face north. Avoiding strong winds helps the bees maintain the proper temperatures inside the hive.
• Tree lines can provide natural shade for the bees and help guide them back to their hive.
• On small properties, spacing hives at opposite ends of the property and orienting entrances in different directions can help direct bees to a variety of resources and prevent robbing or drifting.
• Keep your apiary away from neighboring homes and businesses to reduce potential conflicts. If necessary, use a fence or hedges to guide the flight paths of your bees up and away from neighbors.

Additional Beekeeping Tips for Success

When working with closely spaced hives, make sure you can access them from the back. This setup avoids the problem of standing in front of the hive and blocking the entrances, which can interfere with the bees' flight paths. Additionally, marking the hives with a dot or symbol on the entrance or lid can help the bees locate their hive. For a more artistic touch, you can paint colorful designs on your hive boxes for easy identification.

If you’re just starting out in beekeeping or want to learn more about how to raise bees, many beekeeping blogs and resources are available online. These resources will guide you through the basics of beekeeping, selecting the right beekeeping equipment, and ensuring the health of your bees.

Happy beekeeping!

By: Chari Elam

Bees in pasture - Photo Credit: Scott Souder