Mowing around hive

dragonmaster765 · April 21, 2011, 01:45:41 PM

I just recently installed a package of bees into a new hive. My dad is not happy with the location because he needs to mow around it. Is there anything I can do to get rid of the grass or no? Thanks for helping!

Hethen57 · April 21, 2011, 02:19:25 PM

Mine are right in the back yard too. I had 9 hives last summer. I installed rubber floor mats under my hive stands to at least give a footprint to work around. Mine have never stung me while mowing with my tractor or using a gas weed wacker around the hives. I hear others have big problems. I generally mow right in the middle of the day with lots of bees flying. I think they are more focused on coming and going than me on the tractor. Some use a push mower, or hand tools to avoid a disturbance. I had thought that early or late would be better, but maybe that's when all the guard bees are on guard and the middle of they day is better because there is so much activity. You'll have to see how your bees respond, to decide what level of caution you need to exercise. It would be no fun to get attacked by a bunch of angry bees while you are doing your chores...

danno · April 21, 2011, 02:29:45 PM

If you want to "get rid" of the grass, mulch or round up. As for mowing without stings. Everyone has a bad day now and then including bee's so wear a veil

Kathyp · April 21, 2011, 02:42:23 PM

may i suggest that you do the mowing. that way you don't have to worry about where your hives are, and your dad will be happy. ;)

BlueBee · April 21, 2011, 02:43:43 PM

How about blocking your bee's entrance in the early morning when you're going to mow with #8 hardware mesh. Mow around the bees and then remove the mesh when you're done. You end up with a nicely trimmed green lawn and no dead patches of grass where weeds will eventually take over.

Tigerfansga · April 21, 2011, 02:51:46 PM

First, for family harmony, I recommend you do the mowing and weed eating around the hive. Two reasons, that way you take any stings, and if anything goes wrong with mowing and the bees get harmed, it is on you and not your dad.

So here is what I recommend when it comes to mowing. At a minimum wear your veil with long pants and a long sleeve shirt. If you don't feel comfortable in that, put on a bee suit - honestly I do not own one. I recommend using a mulching mower or a bagger. If you must discharge the clippings out, never, ever, never have the discharge going in the direction of the hives. There are horror stories of long time beekeepers getting attacked (and a few have died) when grass or worse a rock was throw into a hive. Be careful not to bump the hives with the mower. If you follow those basic rules, you should be able to mow right up to the hives.

Once you have done that, carefully use a string trimmer around the hives to finish up.

I have had bees for three years now, and I have never had an issue with mowing. I am sure one day I will have a forager fly into me and possible sting me, but hey you are keeping bees.

dragonmaster765 · April 21, 2011, 03:42:41 PM

Quote from: kathyp on April 21, 2011, 02:42:23 PM
may i suggest that you do the mowing. that way you don't have to worry about where your hives are, and your dad will be happy. ;)

Actually, I do all the mowing. So, I don't really see the problem. He might just want me to be sting-free.

Tigerfansga · April 21, 2011, 03:45:55 PM

You should very politely explain to your father that if you keep bees you will get stung, it is a question of when and not if. That said take the precautions I mentioned and you and the bees should be quite safe.

AllenF · April 21, 2011, 09:57:22 PM

I mow next to my hives. Just don't stop in front of them. And the second swarm of the year hive is still on my front porch from 2 weeks ago. I pity the UPS man.

Shanevrr · April 21, 2011, 10:29:19 PM

no problems yet

pgayle · April 22, 2011, 04:14:45 AM

I start the mowing across the yard. Always discharge away from the hive. Each pass gets closer.

If I go close to the hive the first pass, they get more upset. I think that starting a distance away accustoms them to the noise more gradually.

woodchopper · April 25, 2011, 09:45:18 PM

Make sure the exhaust from the lawnmower is aimed AWAY from the hive and you should be fine.

Dexterjc · April 26, 2011, 03:31:03 AM

I put my hives on stands. They are high enough that I don't have to worry about the mower engine disturbing them. Or at least I hope :-D.

Tommyt · April 26, 2011, 11:21:56 AM

Guy at the Bee Club meeting said he had been mowing by his hives and never had a Problem
also had been in the hive and didn't think they had superseded,said he never saw queen cells in any of his inspections?
The last time mowing the bees rolled out got him a dozen times, his dog and KILLED 10 of his chickens
Now that may make your Mowing plans change some :shock:
It has mine

Tommyt