Thinking about beekeeping? | 5 things to consider before you begin

Where can bees be kept?

People keep honey bees in all sorts of environments and climates, from urban rooftops and balconies to rural landscapes, suburban backyards and dry, tropical or cold regions. As long as there are flowering plants around for some of the year, your bees should be able to thrive.

When to begin?

Spring is usually the best time of year to get your first hive going. As the Earth wakes up after winter and flowers start to bloom, nectar and pollen are to be found in abundance.

Bees use this supply of energy and nutrients to build up their numbers by creating comb and raising new generations of workers and drones. So it’s the easiest time to get bees and usually provides the best conditions for them in their new home.

How much space is needed?

A lot of people are surprised by how small a space you can keep bees in as it eliminates the need for harvesting equipment. It’s even possible to have bees on a balcony in an apartment building, as long as they have a clear enough flight path and you’ve got room to conduct inspections. It’s important to check local regulations and also talk to the people who live close by.

Availability of forage

Bees can live just about anywhere that flowering plants are present, but nutrition is very important for their health and they really do best with a diet of nectar and pollen from varied sources.

If you live in a region where there are few or no flowers for long periods every year, you may need to help your bees at times by giving them additional food.

Honey bees are capable of flying over 9.5 kilometres (6 miles) in search of food. They typically prefer to forage within a much shorter radius when possible, as shorter flights conserve energy and time. 

Being a good neighbour

Consider the proximity to your neighbours when looking for the best place to put your hive. If they’re very close and you think they might have some concerns, you could consider talking to them first. The offer of an occasional jar of honey could be helpful!

Talking to people in your community about bees can even end up being beneficial to pollinator health in your area. Many people are keen to know how they can support healthy bee habitats. They’re interested in the reasons that pollination is so crucial to our environment, the importance of their gardens and ways to reduce the use of highly hazardous pesticides. 

Make sure your bees are of gentle stock if you’re keeping them in a location close to other people. Relocate or requeen if the temperament of your hive is showing aggression.

When choosing a location for your beehive, be sure to position it away from walkways and don’t point the entrance towards anything that might get damaged by bee poo such as cars and washing lines, as the tiny yellow dots are very sticky and can be tricky to remove. 

As well as being considerate of your neighbours, ensure you’re aware of any local regulations regarding beekeeping. Although rules on keeping bees vary across countries, states and jurisdictions, hive registration is a very common requirement. Beehive registration assists with maintaining biosecurity, so always check with your local authority to determine what’s required in your area.