it looks like new beeyard is a no go

rober · May 22, 2012, 11:13:39 PM

one offer i had for a spot to place some hives may be a no go. i went there today to set up a 3 hive stand. there is a creek within 100' & there is a railroad bridge running over it. also the tracks are within 40' of where the hives will be. it was not hot today & i got a couple of good whiffs of creosote coming from the bridge & what must be new ties for the track. when it hits 90 or better the creosote could get pretty strong for long periods. the hives need to be facing the tracks. i can see this configuration being bad for the girls. even if it did not bother them it could affect the honey. anyone have any experience with hives being near r.r. tracks?

David McLeod · May 23, 2012, 01:09:38 AM

Does right across the road count?

The old Macon-Atlanta line, still active over 150 years, is directly across a two track road from my yard and my house rumbles every few hours. Never even noticed whether the bees are even aware that a train is passing.
Also not sure if the creosote matters either. Never had it sobadit stunk up the place but over the years I've set many boxes on old railroad ties without issues other than fire ants in the ties that ended up in the hives so no more ties for me.

Michael Bush · May 23, 2012, 02:11:42 AM

The perfect place doesn't exist. That one sounds fine...

rober · May 23, 2012, 12:53:57 PM

i realize there is no perfect place. the creosote fumes are what concerns me, not the trains. i know i would not want to breathe those fumes all day

Robo · May 23, 2012, 01:17:05 PM

Richard Taylor use to advocate painting hives with creosote. He is not only a beekeeping legend, but was also a large producer of comb honey.

I don't think you have to worry.

D Coates · May 23, 2012, 01:19:41 PM

They live in areas and hollows that we simply can't even breath in much less live in. There are photos somewhere showing them being removed from an automobile fuel tank. If it's about you that's one thing but if it's about the bees they simply don't care.

Robo · May 23, 2012, 01:23:48 PM

Quote from: D Coates on May 23, 2012, 01:19:41 PM
There are photos somewhere showing them being removed from an automobile fuel tank.

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,31243.msg253999.html#msg253999

yockey5 · May 23, 2012, 01:24:46 PM

Quote from: D Coates on May 23, 2012, 01:19:41 PM
They live in areas and hollows that we simply can't even breath in much less live in. There are photos somewhere showing them being removed from an automobile fuel tank. If it's about you that's one thing but if it's about the bees they simply don't care.

Ditto

Kathyp · May 23, 2012, 04:40:05 PM

my hives are on RR ties.

rober · May 23, 2012, 10:12:24 PM

well i'll give it a go then.