4.9 Choice of location
The health of bee colonies and the success of beekeeping often depend on the location of the apiaries. It is worthwhile to choose locations carefully and to check their suitability with two or three colonies. At an optimal site, colonies develop rapidly and strongly in spring. Well-formed brood nests and sufficient pollen and nectar reserves are a good sign.
The choice of an apiary location must meet several criteria. The most important is proximity to food sources capable of meeting nutritional needs. The surrounding flora should be as diverse as possible so that bees can benefit from food sources throughout the year. In addition, one or more clean and regularly renewed water sources must be located in the immediate vicinity of the apiary. These may be natural (streams) or provided by the beekeeper (watering points).
Other criteria further promote colony development. The following points are also important to consider for an apiary:
A site sheltered from prevailing cold winds should be preferred. This helps prevent drifting of colonies in summer and facilitates temperature regulation of the hive in winter. Even when protected from wind, the site must be dry to avoid any risk of mould.
The orientation of the entrance is ideally towards the south or south-east. This orientation ensures morning warming and exposure of the entrance to sunlight throughout the day. However, strong midday sun in summer should be avoided, whereas it is beneficial in winter. Plants are therefore ideal for protecting hives from summer heat: their foliage provides shade in summer and allows sunlight to pass through in winter, while also offering a nearby food source depending on the plant species used.
In addition to being suitable for bees, the location should also be convenient for the beekeeper. It must therefore be easily accessible and provide sufficient space to work safely and comfortably around the hives. Ideally, there should be a place to store beekeeping equipment in the immediate vicinity of the apiary.
Finally, depending on the location, the apiary must not cause nuisance to neighbours. Preliminary discussions before installing hives are necessary to address potential concerns, understand expectations, and explain possible risks. Where appropriate, measures can be taken to prevent bee flight paths from crossing neighbouring gardens. For example, a dense hedge can be planted a few metres in front of the hive entrances so that bees are forced to gain height.
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