At Buddha Bee Apiary, we install and maintain beehives in backyards.
These backyards come in many shapes and sizes. Some are several acres, and others are a few hundred square feet. While bees can live in a wide variety of environments, not every backyard is a good place to keep a colony.
Here’s a rule of thumb when considering whether you can keep a beehive in your garden:
A typical beehive is about 22 inches by 16 inches. You need at least five feet of space in every direction around the hive. If you plan to have multiple beehives, they should be at least three feet apart.
Can I have a beehive in my backyard? 5 factors to consider
Safety
Stings are a nuance for some and dangerous for others. Safety should be your first priority when evaluating whether you have enough space to keep bees.
Before we install a beehive in a backyard, we always ask homeowners how they use the space. We want to find out what areas receive foot traffic, and keep the hive as far away from those spots as possible.
Careful thought should be given to the direction the beehive is pointed in, too. It should be pointed away from playgrounds or any other human hangout spots, as bees will be constantly flying in and out of the entrance.
Safety
Unfortunately, not everyone loves the idea of their neighbor keeping bees. Talk to yours before you set up a colony. Nine out of 10 times, they’ll be excited! And if they’re a little worried, just reassure them that bees are defensive—not aggressive. If you have a not-so-bee-friendly neighbor, the best you can do is keep your hive far from their property line. A fence goes a long way in keeping your neighbors safe, too.
Local Laws
n addition to local laws, some Home Owners Associations regulate beekeeping. Some HOAs ban beekeeping entirely. Others have specific bylaws such as requiring your hive to be a certain distance from your neighbor’s yard. When in doubt, contact your local beekeeping association to ask about any restrictions in your area.
Water
The last thing you want is to be happily watching bees fly in and out of your new backyard hive only to have your neighbor call you upset that they have bees in their pool. Don’t worry, this can be easily prevented! We have a full guide about how to create a simple bee water station. If you want to go above and beyond, you can also plant flowers honeybees like.
Sunlight
The small hive beetle is a beekeeping pest. While it’s far from being the biggest challenge bees are facing, they still can be annoying. Sun helps keep these pests at bay. Try to set up your beehive in an area that gets several hours of sunlight. Early morning sun is best because it encourages bees to get up and forage.