Location Dilemma

misfyredOhio · April 14, 2008, 06:08:51 PM

I am a second year beginner. I lost both of my hives last year. On Sunday, I pick up 2 packages of bees to install. I have my equipment and about 30 frames of drawn out comb ready to go. This year, I want to put them in my backyard. Last year, they were an hour and a half away which was a pain. I live in town (Columbus). Here is my dilemma: I have a nice sunny spot but the neighbors would be able to see them and watch me work them; or I have a site that gets only west sun and it is completely hidden from the neighbors. I am afraid that they will not thrive in the more shaded location. Any thoughts?

MrILoveTheAnts · April 14, 2008, 06:41:05 PM

Well full comb frames take so much stress off of a starting hive. Normally a hive takes 3 weeks to draw out one frame of comb. So I think it's fine to start a hive in the shade, they just won't forage as much.

Are you a shy beekeeper? or are you afraid of a rioting mob of PTA soccer moms breaking down the front door in protest?

I'd say start them in the sun and if it becomes a problem just move the hive out of sight or get a bigger fence.

utahbeekeeper · April 14, 2008, 07:07:07 PM

I keep my 3 hives behind my home in the inner city. They are in muted sun/shade from the 7 foot wild rose laced fence line they must climb out over. West side is Virginia Creeper laced fence, then the old Millcreek, then a parking lot, then a 4 plex with some children. South side is decorative Indian Corn patch, the 4 fruit trees. No complaints ever, but then the bees have plenty of water 12 feet away, and again must climb out over tall vines, stalks and fences.

Can you arrange for some kind of fence with vines in the sunny spot? The "bee line" traffic pattern is worth considering. Sun Vs out of sight . . . I donno . . . tough call. No protection from wind can be worse than protected half day shade. JGP

BeeHopper · April 14, 2008, 07:31:07 PM

Quote from: misfyredOhio on April 14, 2008, 06:08:51 PM
I am a second year beginner. I lost both of my hives last year. On Sunday, I pick up 2 packages of bees to install. I have my equipment and about 30 frames of drawn out comb ready to go. This year, I want to put them in my backyard. Last year, they were an hour and a half away which was a pain. I live in town (Columbus). Here is my dilemma: I have a nice sunny spot but the neighbors would be able to see them and watch me work them; or I have a site that gets only west sun and it is completely hidden from the neighbors. I am afraid that they will not thrive in the more shaded location. Any thoughts?

Wow, an hour and a half :shock: What is the distance to the neighbors property line for the sunny spot ?
If it were me, I'd put up a 6 foot Stockade type wooden fence with the fence raised 1 foot to give me that 7 foot top edge in an "L" configuration or enclose an area of say 10' x 10' to conceal my hives only if the area receives sun most of the day. I would keep my gear out there too in a weather proof box, but I just have to figure out how to explain the smoke , tell them I have a grill in there :?

Tough call.

BeeHopper

Keith13 · April 14, 2008, 08:27:03 PM

Sunny spot. Plenty of honey to the neighbors. Talks to them people are scared to death of anything different. People are programmed to believe bees are evil, bees sting; talk to them let them know it will be okay. I have found just talking to people will allay their fears.

misfyredOhio · April 14, 2008, 08:39:26 PM

Thank you. This is good advice. I won't be able to get a fence installed before Sunday. Maybe I will start in the less sunny location, get a fence, and move them to sunny location.

Michael Bush · April 14, 2008, 11:25:02 PM

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#locating

indypartridge · April 15, 2008, 07:38:40 AM

How well do you know these neighbors? Although I no longer live in the city, I was fortunate to have great neighbors when I did. A lot of people are fascinated by bees and would be happy to pull up a lawn chair and watch you work your hives. On the other hand, a lot of people are afraid of bees and will panic at the thought of you housing thousands of stinging insects so near by.

If you're thinking about a fence, instead of a stockade, you might consider something simple like a trellis & plant some morning glories to climb it.

misfyredOhio · April 15, 2008, 04:35:06 PM

I'll be honest with you...I have a really creepy neighbor and I try to avoid any interaction with him. :(

Bennettoid · April 15, 2008, 04:56:03 PM

So put the Bees where it will bother him.

Actually, you lost 2 hives last year, I would give your new Bees every possible benefit to give them a strong hive. Put them in the sun.

I'm the type that does as he pleases and if the neighbors' don't like it then too bad. I actually enjoy a good scrap once in awhile.

Dane Bramage · April 15, 2008, 05:36:43 PM

Quote from: misfyredOhio on April 15, 2008, 04:35:06 PM
I'll be honest with you...I have a really creepy neighbor and I try to avoid any interaction with him. :(

lol!

RESTRAINING ORDER!!! j/k. ;)

indypartridge · April 16, 2008, 07:55:45 AM

Dane:

Great Logo! I love it.

poka-bee · April 16, 2008, 01:14:55 PM

EEWWW..creepy neighbor. :-x I hate that feeling you get from some people, listen to your instincts, they are usually right. I wouldn't antagonize him but would put my bees on that side, with a trellis/lattice/screen & plants, preferrably evergreen climbers. I would place it at least 3 ft away from the back of the hives or close to the property line though so you have room to work em without being creeped out! Jody

Scadsobees · April 16, 2008, 02:12:46 PM

Keep in mind, that while there are advantages to the sun (beetles, etc), most natural hives are in trees under the leaf canopy where they get very little sun, and they do fine.

I say go with the place that you are more comfortable with, even if they don't get so much sun.

And I don't think that just "creepy" would be a good enough reason for the judge to let you get a restraining order.... :roll: :-D

Rick

Brian D. Bray · April 16, 2008, 11:28:46 PM

Some useful facts for your defense arsenal: 1. According to NAFTA (International Treaty) Honey Bees are Plants not live stock or pets. Plants are allowed in gardens and lawns.
2. Bees are benefical creatures and not noxious (yes they sting if aggitated).
3. Unless your city has a comprehensive ordinance forbidding the keeping of bees within the city limits your good to go.
4. Attractive nuasance oridances kick in after repeated complaints--Building a fence as suggested shows proper concern and offsets any complaints.
5. In extreme cases--Ask the neighbor to prove the bees he is complaining about belong to you. Bees in his yard or pool can come from awaywhere within a several miles radius.

In the Mean time enjoy your bees.