Bonfires and proximity to beehives

alkaline19 · March 16, 2012, 12:31:41 PM

Hello, well I think I have secured a new location for the splits I intend to do. The general characteristics look favorable - a nearby creek for water, a thick hedge row for wind protection, close to a road for easy access and a wonderful foraging landscape. However, the property owner likes to have frequent bonfires to get rid of scrap wood and other farm waste. The hives would be about 200-250 feet downwind from his bonfire location. My question is if bonfire smoke from this distance would pacify the bees as smoke being applied at close range from a smoker would. The thought of the bees preparing to pack up at every whiff of a bonfire is something that has me concerned re the viability of this site. Thoughts? Thanks!

BeeMaster2 · March 16, 2012, 12:36:43 PM

I would think that that distance would be enough. How thick is the smoke when it gets to the hive? Does it even reach the hive? Does he do this every day, once a week, once a month?
Jim

Kathyp · March 16, 2012, 02:52:15 PM

i wouldn't be to concerned. we have had forest fires here and the bees are not disturbed by the smoke even when it was pretty thick.

BlueBee · March 16, 2012, 04:29:11 PM

A few bees will fly to a light source at night if it's bright enough; but not many.

As long as they're not burning 24-7, I would give it a try.

edward · March 16, 2012, 10:22:23 PM

I have 16 hives near an :cindi: allotments / community gardening site :cindi: , I thought they would compost everything but they are a bunch of fire starting pyromaniacs :camp: They burn everything, the nearest bonfire is about 100-150 feet from my hives.

I haven't noticed any problems with my hives/honey production, have found some decent lawn chairs that I have rescued from an early fiery death :-D

mvh edward :-P

AllenF · March 16, 2012, 10:22:39 PM

I wouldn't worry about it at all. I have a pet hive on my back porch next to the bbq grill. Never have a problem with it.

edward · March 16, 2012, 10:44:16 PM

Quote from: AllenF on March 16, 2012, 10:22:39 PMI have a pet hive on my back porch

Hahaha, that is something everybody should have !

mvh edward :-P

AllenF · March 16, 2012, 10:51:28 PM

Added a excuder and a honey supper about 9:30 Thursday night on that hive.

Country Heart · March 17, 2012, 10:01:12 PM

Quote from: AllenF on March 16, 2012, 10:22:39 PM
I wouldn't worry about it at all. I have a pet hive on my back porch next to the bbq grill. Never have a problem with it.

OK, I'm the new bee, so I get to ask all the silly questions...

I have heard of commercial, hobby and observation hives - but what exactly is a pet hive? :idunno:

alkaline19 · March 19, 2012, 11:59:13 AM

Thanks for the replies - sounds like this site is a go!

BeeMaster2 · March 19, 2012, 12:31:51 PM

Quote from: Country Heart on March 17, 2012, 10:01:12 PM
Quote from: AllenF on March 16, 2012, 10:22:39 PM
I wouldn't worry about it at all. I have a pet hive on my back porch next to the bbq grill. Never have a problem with it.

OK, I'm the new bee, so I get to ask all the silly questions...

I have heard of commercial, hobby and observation hives - but what exactly is a pet hive? :idunno:

Just like having a dog, it's a hive that you keep just because you enjoy there company.

AllenF · March 19, 2012, 08:42:58 PM

My pet hive. I am sitting on my couch right now. TV is on. I look to my left and see that hive. Watch them all the time. Cooked chicken on the grill yesterday. Got to talk to them all while cooking. They have only been moved a foot or two since the swarm landed there. I also use them to draw out comb in new frames to use for swarms and traps.

Country Heart · March 21, 2012, 02:34:41 AM

Thanks sawdstmakr and AllenF for the pet hive explanation.

Now that I know what it is...I'm pretty sure I need one. ;)