A Starters Guide To Beehive Relocation
Bees have a very important role to play in the ecosystem. They help in pollination in addition to providing honey that is consumed by humans and some animals. Whether you are planning to transport your hive due to a shift to a new residence or are just getting ready for winter, the following beehive relocation steps should help you go through the process with ease.
The first step is getting the hives ready for the relocation exercise. The best time to do this is at night or before dawn. Assuming you had left the hive closed during the day, other bees that may have been out foraging for nectar may be left behind. You ought to close the hive by sealing off the main entrance using hardware cloth. You may use staples to fasten the cloth.
Ensure the cloth is of the correct length so that it fits perfectly over the entrance. During the process, you might want to use smoke to calm the bees. You should also check whether there are gaps that are present between the boxes.
Gaps can be easily sealed using duct tape. Before you relocate, be sure to check if the weather is right for transportation lest your bees get killed by heat. If temperatures are soaring outdoors, replace the inside cover of the hive with a screened cover then remover the outer one.
It is also important to fasten the hive board to the platform of the moving vehicle. You do not want it to shift irregularly during transport. Too much disturbance can make the bees restless, which can be dangerous for you and others in case the seals break. You may fasten the board using 2 inch staples. However, many people prefer using ratchet straps for this purpose.
Movement is certainly bound to be pretty stressful for your bees. The best thing to do would be to hit the road once you are through with the loading process. Make sure there is someone by your side to assist you during the exercise. It is not uncommon to see things take a nasty turn for solo movers.
Wearing a safety suit is recommended as bees have an inborn trait of being naturally defensive. Your travel distance will also matter significantly. If you are relocating less than 2 miles, your main problem may come from bees returning from foraging. However, there are often no adaptation issues for relocations that take place over 2 miles or within a few feet.
One technique that helps bees adapt to new environments is sequestration. To do this, do not remove the entrance screen upon arrival. Let it remain in place for at least 72 hours once you arrive. This way, the bees will attempt to recondition themselves for their next foraging trip. However, this procedure usually leaves them agitated, so avoid doing it during hot weather.
Most bees do not fly during rainy weather and in winter. These are the best seasons for moving hives. All you should do at this time is seal the entrance using a leafy branch. While the movement process can be challenging, a little foresight can help ease some of the challenges you are bound to face.
The first step is getting the hives ready for the relocation exercise. The best time to do this is at night or before dawn. Assuming you had left the hive closed during the day, other bees that may have been out foraging for nectar may be left behind. You ought to close the hive by sealing off the main entrance using hardware cloth. You may use staples to fasten the cloth.
Ensure the cloth is of the correct length so that it fits perfectly over the entrance. During the process, you might want to use smoke to calm the bees. You should also check whether there are gaps that are present between the boxes.
Gaps can be easily sealed using duct tape. Before you relocate, be sure to check if the weather is right for transportation lest your bees get killed by heat. If temperatures are soaring outdoors, replace the inside cover of the hive with a screened cover then remover the outer one.
It is also important to fasten the hive board to the platform of the moving vehicle. You do not want it to shift irregularly during transport. Too much disturbance can make the bees restless, which can be dangerous for you and others in case the seals break. You may fasten the board using 2 inch staples. However, many people prefer using ratchet straps for this purpose.
Movement is certainly bound to be pretty stressful for your bees. The best thing to do would be to hit the road once you are through with the loading process. Make sure there is someone by your side to assist you during the exercise. It is not uncommon to see things take a nasty turn for solo movers.
Wearing a safety suit is recommended as bees have an inborn trait of being naturally defensive. Your travel distance will also matter significantly. If you are relocating less than 2 miles, your main problem may come from bees returning from foraging. However, there are often no adaptation issues for relocations that take place over 2 miles or within a few feet.
One technique that helps bees adapt to new environments is sequestration. To do this, do not remove the entrance screen upon arrival. Let it remain in place for at least 72 hours once you arrive. This way, the bees will attempt to recondition themselves for their next foraging trip. However, this procedure usually leaves them agitated, so avoid doing it during hot weather.
Most bees do not fly during rainy weather and in winter. These are the best seasons for moving hives. All you should do at this time is seal the entrance using a leafy branch. While the movement process can be challenging, a little foresight can help ease some of the challenges you are bound to face.
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