Moving a beehive is a task beekeepers undertake for various reasons, such as improving resource availability, meeting regulatory compliance, or consolidating an apiary. This process requires careful planning because honey bees possess strong navigational instincts that tie them to their hive’s exact location. A successful relocation hinges on working with the bees’ natural homing ability to prevent the loss of foraging workers. The primary consideration is whether the new location will be a short distance or a long distance away, as each scenario demands a different approach.
Essential Pre-Move Preparation and Timing
Preparing the colony and the new site well in advance is paramount to a safe move. The timing is fixed: the move must occur after dusk or before dawn when all foraging bees have returned and the colony is quiet. Moving during the day means thousands of active foragers will be left behind, severely depleting the colony’s workforce. Cooler temperatures are preferable to reduce the risk of bees overheating when they are confined.
Before movement begins, all hive components must be secured tightly using ratchet straps to bind the bottom board, brood boxes, and lids together. This prevents shifting or separation during transport. Equipment checks should include gathering entrance screens or foam plugs for sealing the hive, protective gear, and mesh for ventilation. The new location should be scouted to ensure it provides sunlight, protection from strong winds, and access to a water source.
Techniques for Short Distance Relocation
The greatest challenge in moving a hive a short distance, typically less than two miles, is the bee’s navigational memory. Forager bees create a mental map of landmarks relative to the entrance and will attempt to return to the original spot. Moving a hive between approximately three feet and three miles is often called the “danger zone,” as it is far enough to cause disorientation but close enough for bees to search the familiar area.
For moves within the same yard, the gradual relocation strategy is the safest method. This technique involves moving the hive no more than three feet each day, allowing the bees to reorient themselves incrementally. This slow process ensures that bees recognize the slightly new position and update their internal compass before flying out. An alternative for a single short move is to place a physical barrier, such as a large branch or plywood, directly in front of the hive entrance at the new location. This obstruction forces the bees to pause and perform a new orientation flight upon exiting, helping reset their mental map.
Procedures for Long Distance Transport
Moving a hive a long distance, generally considered more than three miles, triggers a complete reset of the bees’ navigational system. The distance must be far enough that the landscape is completely new, compelling the bees to perform new orientation flights upon arrival. Once the hive is secured with straps, the entrance must be sealed using a breathable material like metal screen or hardware cloth, ensuring no bees escape while allowing airflow.
Ventilation is a primary consideration during long-distance transport, as confinement can quickly lead to overheating and suffocation. Bees regulate hive temperature by fanning, and insufficient airflow causes the internal temperature to rise rapidly, potentially melting wax comb and perishing the colony. Traveling screens placed beneath the lid or a screened bottom board help maintain proper aeration. The hives should be loaded upright onto a truck or trailer and secured tightly to prevent shifting or excessive jostling, which can agitate the bees and damage the internal comb. Upon arrival, the hive is immediately placed in its final position, and the entrance screen is opened slightly while it is still dark or very early morning to allow the bees to settle.
Post-Relocation Care and Monitoring
The period immediately following the move requires close observation to ensure the colony successfully adapts to its new home. The morning after relocation, bees will begin to emerge and perform orientation flights, flying in widening circles to memorize the new location and surrounding landmarks. The beekeeper should monitor the entrance for signs of stress, such as excessive beard clustering or frantic flying, which could indicate overheating or disorientation.
Providing a temporary feeder with sugar syrup or a pollen substitute is beneficial, especially if the move was stressful or if foraging resources at the new location are unknown. This supplemental feeding supports the colony while foragers establish new routes. A full internal inspection should be avoided immediately after the move, but a quick check a day or two later can confirm that the frames are intact and the queen is laying normally.