The location of the hive in the spring will determine the fate of the bumblebees in the summer...
What you will learn here
- Options for where and how to place a bumblebee hive
- Why is this important?
- Practical examples and tips
Last updated: 24/2/2024
In a nutshell
- The optimal location of the hive is crucial for its safety, so placing it on the ground is not suitable: a mother looking for a nesting site will easily find it on the ground, but so will another mother or a female, which may provoke a fight with an already established mother.
- The keeper should have easy access to it for regular checks: it is advisable for the hive to be placed at a height of 30 – 100 cm , which will make it easier to care for it.
- The stability of the hive is essential for comfortable maintenance and inspection of the nest : it is important to ensure that the hive is placed on a stable base.
- Solar radiation threatens the nest in the hive: The internal temperature did not exceed 30°C, if necessary, it is appropriate to shade the hive, but at the same time, free air flow should be ensured for effective cooling.
- The optimal place to place the hive is in the shade without drafts: for example, under bushes , where the microclimate is suitable. However, pay attention to the recommended height so that the beekeeper can easily reach the hive.
- The ideal thermal comfort of the nest will be provided by the interior: A nest located indoors and with a flap on the outside wall (garage, cellar, etc.) is ideal in terms of thermal comfort.
- A metal roof is not optimal for a hive: it is better to choose a roof that is resistant to rain, but not a metal roof that could transmit noise inside the hive.
- It is essential to prevent ants from entering the hive: ants can endanger and attack the nest if they get inside.
- Avoid placing multiple hives next to each other: If this is not possible, orient the inlet openings in different directions.
- Do not place hives where birds feed: do not place hives near bird feeders and waterers unless you want the birds to feed them to the bumblebees.
- Nearby insect hotels can be dangerous: parasites that attack the inhabitants of the insect hotel can also attack the bumblebees in the hive.
- Young bumblebee mothers return to their natal nest: after surviving hibernation, young mothers return to their natal nest site and compete with their sisters in a battle for the nest site.
- Level is the key to success: when placing the hive on the site, make sure it is level, which will ensure the proper functioning of the protective flap.
English Abstract
- The optimal placement of the beehive is crucial for its safety, so placing it on the ground is not advisable: a mother looking for a nesting site will easily find it on the ground, but so will another mother or a bumblebee, which may trigger a fight with an already established queen.
- The keeper should have easy access to it for regular controls/checks: it is advisable to place the sitter at a height of 30-100 cm, which will facilitate its care.
- The stability of the brood is essential for convenient maintenance and inspection of the nest: it is important to ensure that the brood is placed on a stable base.
- Sunlight is a threat to the nest in the beehive: The internal temperature should not exceed 30°C; it is advisable to shade the hive if necessary, but at the same time free air flow should be ensured for effective cooling.
- The optimum place to place the beehive is in the shade without drafts: for example, under shrubs where the microclimate is suitable. However, make sure that the recommended height is maintained and that the hive is easy for the keeper to reach.
- A beehive placed indoors is the best solution: with a flap on the outside of the wall (garage, cellar...) is ideal in terms of thermal comfort.
- A tin roof is not optimal for the hatch: it is better to choose a rainproof roof, but not a tin roof, which could transmit noise inside the hatch.
- It is essential to prevent ants from entering the hive: ants can threaten and attack the nest if they get into it
- Avoid placing several hives next to each other: If this is not possible, orient the inlet openings in different directions.
- Don't place hives where birds feed: don't place hives near bird feeders and bird feeders unless you want to feed them to bumblebees.
- Nearby insect roosts can be a danger: parasites that infest the inhabitants of insect roosts can also attack the bumblebees in the hive.
- Young bumblebee mothers return to their natal nest: after surviving hibernation, young mothers return to their natal nest and compete with their sisters for nesting sites.
- Horizontality is the key to success: when placing the hive on the habitat, pay attention to ensure that it stands horizontally, which will ensure the proper functioning of the guard flap.
Introduction
Many novice beekeepers focus on purchasing a hive or making their own hive/components. They miss the fact that purchasing a hive is just the beginning and that there are other things to think about, such as choosing a place for the hive (bumblebee) in the garden.
That is why we try to convince beginners to make their breeding journey easier and buy their first hive. If you make a hive without experience, you will run out of time. That is why our website is more for beekeepers than do-it-yourselfers.
Appropriate placement of the hive is one of the basic conditions for the successful development of the nest and breeding of bumblebees, and mistakes do not pay off. It is necessary to realize that when we actively offer hives to bumblebees, we take responsibility and have their fate in our hands.
Choosing a location for the hive is important as equipping the hive and should not be underestimated .
Beekeepers often wonder why their protective flaps do not work properly. One reason may be that the hive is not built on a horizontal surface .
You also need to be prepared for the unwelcome interest of pets . Dogs and cats are interested in bumblebees and sometimes even hunt them for fun. Therefore, it is necessary to place the trap out of their reach.
Breeders who were successful last season will have to deal with the fact that mothers who were born here last year and successfully survived hibernation will return to their hives. This is a joy but also a concern.
These things also need to be taken into account when choosing a location and prepared for .
How to choose a place for a scare and what to follow?
In the following text, we offer you guidelines on how to choose such a place and how to prepare .
At first glance, there is a lot to consider. But don't worry that you won't find such a place near you. There are always more options.
It is possible to move the hive during the season, but we do not recommend it , as it is not easy and not without risks.
Take the time to choose a nest location before the season starts, it will pay off!
Bumblebees PLUS A Scare and I Could See It
Source Internet
The gap, its availability and height above the ground
The hive should be accessible not only to its inhabitants, but also to their keepers . If you place it in a place that is difficult to reach, you will struggle with it all season.
Expect to need to look into the hive at times and perform an inspection. This will help you detect any problems early and allow you to intervene and solve them.
It is important to have access for routine checks and regular cleaning of the protective flap , preferably every evening at dusk.
It is important to choose the right height at which the hive is placed . At a low height above the ground, or on the ground, a bumblebee mother can find the hive - alone without help. Similarly, another mother can find it there later and enter the hive.
Similarly, a hive on the ground, or just above the ground, is adversely affected by spring frosts.
Its stability is important. Remember that the shelter on the site must withstand the wind . It must also be stable during inspections and maintenance during the season .
The recommended height for placing the hive is therefore 30 - 100 cm above the ground.
Typical errors:
- The nest is located somewhere high under the roof and you can't get to it except by using a ladder.
- The lair is hidden deep under the bushes, where it is well shielded, but you cannot reach it.
- The nest is placed on the ground and the space under the flap roof (unless it can be easily removed) is not accessible except when lying down.
- The section is attached in such a way that it cannot be removed and taken for inspection without dismantling.
Solution:
- The hive should always be placed or secured so that it does not fall and the nest inside is not damaged (the hive is quite heavy).
- We recommend attaching the shock so that it can be taken into the room for inspection .
- Position the shed so that you can comfortably operate i.e. its key components: flap, ventilation, roof .
- height that allows you to comfortably reach the bottom with your hands (the top of the hive should be at waist height at most).
- The flap should be easily accessible, with the possibility of quick cleaning
- Choose a location for the hive where you can reach it, but not in a place where you are constantly moving around .
- Prefer to place the hive at a height of 50-100 cm . This will reduce the risk that another queen will discover the already occupied hive, looking for a nesting site.
Fear and sunlight
Bumblebees are threatened by both spring frosts and summer heat. They can handle low temperatures more easily than high ones . They also dislike sudden changes in temperature in the hive .
The hive should be made of a sufficiently thick material (25 – 30 mm), or be thermally insulated. Hives made only of thermal insulation (polystyrene, etc.) are not suitable. Although they insulate, they do not have thermal inertia / accumulation .
A passive hive will not maintain the optimal temperature on its own. With proper construction and additional protection in the event of extreme weather fluctuations, critical hypothermia of the hive can be prevented. Measures against overheating of the hive are much more difficult to take.
With gradual warming and climate change, it is important to respect this aspect of bumblebee breeding more and more.
On the issue of construction and
Warning:
If the sun shines on the hive, even the best insulation will not solve the problem - the hive will overheat. There are ways to cool the hive, but passive solutions will not reduce/maintain an acceptable temperature in the hive in the sun.
As a reminder:
The queen mother and then the workers warm the brood with their own bodies up to a temperature of 35°C and can cope with the drop in temperature to a certain extent (a bumblebee can warm itself by vibrating its flight muscles, leaving its wings still). The right choice of lining also helps it significantly, which is why we have to the lining .
Paradoxically, high temperatures are much worse for bumblebees. At temperatures above 35°C, larvae and pupae in the nest die, and at temperatures above 45°C, even adults die.
You can tell that something is wrong with the temperature of the nest by the bumblebees sitting on the comb and flapping their wings - they are trying to force cooler air into the hive. However, this effort is in vain, because the hive is closed with a flap. Only a ventilation hole and possibly one of the other cooling methods, which we will also write about later (ventilation hole, ventilation attachment, etc.), will help.
You can learn more in the chapters < Thermal insulation of the hive – PREPARING > and < Cooling of the hive – PREPARING >
Typical errors:
- The breeder does not address the matter and places the nest in the sun
- the breeder cannot find a place that is in the shade and is exposed to the morning/afternoon sun (this can raise the temperature above the acceptable limit on hot days)
- the breeder uses a hutch of inappropriate construction (thin walls made of wood and plastic)
Solution:
- the temperature stable as possible during the day .
- It is essential to choose a place where the sun does not shine on you in the summer – preferably in the shade . Prefer to heat,
- It is a good idea to place the hive under a roof, pergola, or screen.
- If you really have no other choice, then let the morning sun shine for as short a time as possible. But try to avoid this situation as well.
- Ideal locations are in the east, southeast, northeast - simply where you have or minimal sunlight
- If there is no other solution, shade . the screen should be stable so that it does not endanger the hive, for example if it is knocked over by the wind.
However, be very careful about changes to the hive's surroundings while the queen is settling in - changes in surroundings or movements can confuse her and thwart her settling. - Do not use metal sheets placed on the roof and similar materials that heat up
to shade the hive Also take into account the possible transfer of heat from the shielding to the hive. It is better to leave a free space between the shielding and the hive . - The hive can be placed in the shade of a bush , under the canopy of a pergola, in a shed, in a garage, in a house, on a stand, on a wall, etc., see the following text. However, do not forget about easy access to the hive .
- If you can place the hive in a niche, an open cellar or a cool room , this is an advantage. Bumblebees are able to find their way into a hive placed in partial shade or several meters into the room (if they have been settled/moved there). the arrival area must always be free.
Placing the hive behind a screen
Photo E.Kalčíková
Placing the hive under the bumblebee bushes
Photo O. Hercog
In 2021, we did a little demonstration of how the sun causes fear .
We took a high-quality, commercially available hive with good insulation. We measured the temperature in the air space under the roof and collected values over time.
We exposed the hive to the sun in the morning, with a short break at noon (we simulated a momentary tree shadow).
The experiment was a bit spoiled by the fact that it was quite windy and this cooled the hive. It was also not completely clear, more like half-cloudy.
You will certainly argue that the measurement was very primitive and that the test was quite extreme. Yes, you are right. It was a demonstration, not an exact measurement, there were no conditions for that. But it was very close to reality.
Brief results:
- The temperature in the hive went from 16 to 35°C in 4 hours
- The temperature in the hive then rose to 36°C through further heating in the sun and remained there for 3 hours
- at 7:00 p.m. the temperature in the hive was 35.5°C
- the largest difference between the temperature in the hive and the air temperature was 8°C
Regardless of the details and measurement conditions, it can be seen that :
- The hive heats up very quickly in the sun above the temperature of the air around it
- The air temperature in the hive easily exceeds the critical limit of 35°C, even if the surrounding air is below 30°C
- As the hive accumulates heat from the sun's rays, it slowly cools down and the high temperature inside it affects the nest for a longer period of time
Measuring the temperature in a hive placed in the sun
* The red curve in the graph shows the air temperature in the hive
* The gray curve shows the air temperature in the shade.
Source: Bumblebees PLUS 05/2021
Measuring temperature in a hive placed in the sun
Source: Bumblebees PLUS 2021 05
A breeze and a draft
Just as overheating of the hive due to sunlight is harmful to the hive and nest, drafts are also harmful .
This also applies to internal micro drafts in the hive when the mother queen is building a nest. The mother is afraid of the nest getting cold and may refuse such a fright.
, strong winds can sometimes bother bumblebees when they arrive at the hive but this is rather an extreme case.
get very cold in a draft (especially in the spring months) . Stable cold is not as important as changes in the internal temperature in the hive and especially drafts inside the hive.
Typical errors:
- a shelter located behind the house where there is a constant strong air flow
Solution:
- Do not place the hive in a strong draft.
- Choose a spot in the lee of the sea , or create one.
- Any screen must be solid and must not pose a threat to the child.
Scream and rain
Although the hives are sold for outdoor use, prolonged exposure to rain damages the hive structure .
Rain primarily threatens the protective flap and reduces the lifespan of the ant protection. Quality hives and materials can withstand such a load for one season, but after the season it is necessary to pay attention to maintenance.
Typical errors:
- hive roof construction with a small overhang
- the roof and hive structure is not durable, is subject to moisture, and deforms
- the cover does not have a protective flap attached, it deforms due to moisture or loses functionality (sticks)
- small roof above the protective flap, leaks on the flap
- The breeder does not perform maintenance after the season, does not renew the paint, etc.
Solution:
- If you can, place the hive out of the reach of rain, or at least under the overhang of the roof – see also solutions for protecting the hive from sunlight.
- If you have no other option, supplement the shed with a second roof with an overlap , for example made of dry linoleum or waterproof plywood (concrete plywood).
- But do not use metal sheeting , the sound of raindrops falling on the sheeting is transmitted into the hive and disturbs its inhabitants.
If you have such a solution, there should be a removable polystyrene insert between the roof and the hive, which will dampen the sound . - As part of post-season repairs, treat stressed parts with paint (roof, flap) to prevent moisture from penetrating the wooden structure.
Bumblebees PLUS – Roof over the flap
Photo O. Hercog 6/2020
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How to attach the hive
The hive should be stable , not moving or vibrating. This will disturb the queen first, who may leave the nest. Later, the vibrations could damage the nest and the larvae.
Typical errors:
- The flap does not stand straight, which impairs the function of the flap.
- The hive's hinges are not sturdy and the hive is in danger of falling.
- The legs/base are not strong and rigid enough.
- The niche is firmly screwed to the wall.
Solution:
- The hive should be stably and firmly attached to a frame, stand or weighted (for example, with a brick on the roof) on a base.
- However, the nest box should always be placed or secured so that it does not fall and the nest inside is not damaged (the nest box is quite heavy).
- We recommend that the splint be attached so that it can be removed and taken into the room for inspection .
- If the hive is in the ground, there should be a way to remove/open it for inspection and intervention.
Placing the hive on the hangers on the fence wall
Photo O. Hercog
Repellent and protection against ants
The attachment and placement of the hive should be designed so that ants cannot enter the nest . They would not attack the bumblebees directly, but they could attack the honey supplies and possibly the larvae.
Once the ants have found their way into the hive and found food for themselves there, it is very difficult to fight them afterwards.
This does not apply to all types of ants. Infestations are not common, but preventive measures protect you against them .
Typical errors:
- The breeder completely forgets about protection against ants.
- The ant control solution should not be exposed to rain to avoid reducing its effectiveness.
- The keeper uses an inappropriate solution (water), which dries out and ants enter the hive.
- Ant protection loses its effectiveness if a branch, blade of grass touches the hive, or if the ant protection is not maintained in good condition.
Solution:
- Create a simple protection against ants according to the instructions found in the chapter Protecting a bumblebee hive from ants .
- Protection against ants must be checked regularly .
Hypnotic bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum)
Photo O. Hercog
Distances between hives
If you have multiple hives, you will be faced with the problem of what is the optimal distance between them. Any advice here is valuable, because there are almost always few suitable places. In general, the greater the distance, the better .
Bumblebees find their way to their hive . They search for it primarily by location, shape, and surroundings. Color differentiation is not important to them.
However, some species are very territorial . They will defend their territory and visit their neighbors.
A typical example is the hypnotic bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum), which protects its hive for several meters and is quite aggressive during the incubation period of the queens. If it "gets going", it does not care about good manners, and then it is worth buying a beekeeping hood/overalls. We highly recommend it, we tested it on our own nose :-D.
Other species of bumblebees also sometimes fly into a nearby hive . In times of food shortage, they sometimes rob a nearby nest of supplies. This always results in a dead bumblebee.
Typical errors:
- The breeder does not consider the distance between the hives.
- The hives and the entrance holes are next to each other.
- The hives are the same and in a row.
- The inlet openings are all oriented in one direction.
- The breeder creates double hives. During the inspection, the bumblebees may defend themselves and the workers may attack the neighboring hive = this may result in unnecessary losses.
- Some double hives have a common roof – ditto.
Solution:
- The rule here is that the greater the distance you choose, the better .
- The minimum recommended distance between hives is 100 cm , but it can be closer, see below.
- If you have multiple hives next to each other, distinguish them by color , although this is not crucial for bumblebees.
- Try to choose different orientations of the inlet flaps, for example by rotating the hives.
- Some manufacturers sell flaps for the front or side of the hive , which can also sometimes be used.
- You can place the garlic further away from the hive using an external corridor .
- If you choose double hives (we do not recommend using them), then place the inlet holes on them as far apart as possible (see picture).
Hive placement – inlet holes as far apart as possible
But place the hives as far apart as possible
Photo R. Kýros
Bumblebees PLUS – Protective flap
Photo manufacturer's website
Bumblebees PLUS – Protective flap
Photo manufacturer's website
Bumblebees PLUS – Protective flap – placed on the side of the hive
Photo manufacturer's website
Location of the bumblebee hive with respect to insect hotels, bird feeders, boxes, etc.
When looking for a place to place hives, beekeepers often do not consider other aspects, sometimes surprising ones.
Many people want to have insect hotels in their gardens and beehives for bumblebees next to them , but this is not appropriate.
It is similar with birds. Although bumblebees are not the main source of food for insectivorous birds , they will not disdain them in case of food shortage. In cold or rainy seasons, bumblebees are also one of the few active flying insects. We have verified attacks by great tits and common wagtails. From the birds' point of view, this is natural behavior and they cannot be blamed for it. We will describe possible ways to protect the hive HERE ( in preparation ).
Typical errors:
- For the location of the site, they choose a place with regard to themselves (good view) and not the needs of the bumblebees.
- The idea that I will have everything to help nature in a small space is wrong. You simply have to decide what you prioritize.
- Near places where people and their children move, sit or play.
- They don't consider all the alternatives.
Solution:
- We recommend placing the hive as far away as possible from insect hotels in your garden. Insect hotels are often home to the parasitic wasp Melittobia acasta. If the hive is placed within its range, i.e. 30-50 m, it can easily be attacked by this parasite.
You can learn more about this, one of the most dangerous parasites of bumblebees, in the chapter - It is better to place the hives further away from bird feeders (if you feed outside the winter season), birdhouses and waterers .
- The hive should not be in direct sight of areas with increased bird activity. If you experience these problems, we have solutions for you in the advanced birder section.
- If you have a hive of hypnotic bumblebees (Bombus hypnorum), place them in a corner of the garden where they will not be disturbed and where you can observe them from a distance of at least 3 meters or more.
Note: an occupied hive can be moved if necessary
Place the hive as far away from insect hotels as possible
Photo Internet
Source Internet
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Queen returns and hive location (bumblebee)
Bumblebees have a strong bond with their nest and family, which helps them succeed and raise more offspring.
The bond is so strong that young mothers sometimes return to feed after leaving the nest. If they survive hibernation, mothers of most species return to their natal nest. If possible, they build their own nest there.
If more of them return, a fight will ensue. The stronger one will win, the others will perish. But sometimes they will injure each other and even the rivals will perish.
If the nest was strong , there would be more fights and casualties . The breeder should not allow this.
You can learn more about the issue in the section Queen returns to hives .
Typical errors:
- The breeder doesn't know/care about it – the mothers will kill each other.
Solution:
- Simple – place the hive in a different location (alternate two suitable locations every year)
- more complicated – see Queen returns to hives .
Specific examples of hive placement
A scream on the ground
We do not recommend placing the hive on the ground .
the hive well against spring frosts , visits from rodents, ants, pets (cats are often interested in bumblebees or jealous of the keeper's attention) and small children.
Placing the hive on the ground has the advantage that the queen mother searching for a nesting site can find such a hive herself and settle in it. However, it very often happens that another queen then discovers an already settled hive and a fight for housing ensues, often with fatal consequences for both mothers.
It is much better to place the hive on a raised platform, or to move it to a higher platform at night after the queen has settled in. This simple measure will greatly increase the chances that the first queen to settle in the hive will be safe .
Solution:
- If you want to have a nest on the ground (for example, under a bush), it should be on a raised base or stand at least 20 - 50 cm above the ground.
- The substrate should be solid, for example a concrete slab or tiles.
- Also check out the improvement legs , thanks to which the legs will not wobble and will last longer. The solution is described HERE
- The hive should stand on legs or on a stand with very good protection against ants . You can find a description of the hive location for this case HERE.
Bumblebees PLUS – Protecting the hive against ants – a hive on the ground.
Photo D. Mesko
Stretching on a raised platform/stand
this solution if the hive will be above 50 cm in height .
This solution eliminates the negatives of placing the hive on the ground.
On an elevated location, there will be a higher chance that the hive will not be discovered by another queen looking for a nesting site .
Solution:
- The hive can be built on a stump, stand, etc. to a height of 50 -100 cm .
- If you build a hive on a stump, first place a concrete tile or slab under the hive.
- If you use a low stand, remember that the bracket must hold the unit firmly , but at the same time you must be able to remove it and take it to the interior for maintenance. This can be solved with good screws/bolts that serve as feet.
- Look at the photos of possible solutions:
a) ground screw and fittings, all with surface protection – can be purchased online and modified, see description HERE
b) home-made - A stand in a concrete base can also be used.
- Don't forget about protection against ants. You can find a description of protection for this case HERE
Hives concentrated in one place are a problem when queens return
Source Internet
A hole on a stand, a ground screw
Photo L. Budiš
A niche on a stand made of a ground foot (ground screw) and a beam holder
Photo O. Hercog
A gap on the stand from the ground screw
, leveling to the plane
A gap on the stand from the ground screw
, leveling to the plane
Shock stand
Photo: O. Hercog (17/3/2023)
A sneeze on a stand
We recommend this solution if you are able to make a sufficiently rigid and strong stand - for example, a welded structure made of steel pipes.
If the stand is not rigid enough, the shock will vibrate and its occupants will be disturbed.
Remember that the cover must be firm , but at the same time you must be able to remove it and take it inside for maintenance.
The stand provides good protection against ants , which you can create from sticky strips or a bowl around the stand beam (tube). Such a protection solution protects very well against sun and rain.
Solution:
- Weld/attach a washer/bracket to scaffolding/fence pipe . Place the hive there and attach the screws/bolts.
- It should be possible to remove and carry away the nest even during the season for inspection and intervention in the nest.
- Look at the photos of possible solutions:
a) ground screw and fittings, all with surface protection – can be purchased online
b) homemade - Concrete the taller stand or create a sufficiently stable base for it, for example, weighted with concrete tiles (like anchoring a large parasol).
- You can also use a concrete footing and bury it in the ground.
- protection against ants , the description is provided HERE
Hive on a stand with protection against ants
Photo R. Kýros
Protection against ants, a hive on a stand - details
Photo R. Kýros
A nest on a stand loaded with tiles
Photo P. Fereš
A hole on the stand - a concrete footing
If it is buried in the ground, or the stand is not high, it will serve well
Tip K. Kučera Photo manufacturer's website
A sneeze on the table
You can also make a very simple table to place the hive on. All you need is a sturdy board, such as OSB board, and legs made of battens .
The floor plan of the table does not need to be larger than the floor plan of the hive, so that water does not accumulate on it after rain.
We recommend cutting the table legs to the tip so that the table can be stably placed on the ground and hammered in a little. Leg length up to 50 cm.
If you want, you can attach the shelf to the board with a screw (from the bottom).
It is a good idea to preserve the table top and legs with teak oil to increase durability.
Therefore, protection against ants is easy, just put the hive legs in the lids of PET bottles with Chemstop.
Table under the scare
Photo: O. Hercog (2022/030
Table under the scare
Photo: O. Hercog (2022/030
Table under the scare
Photo: O. Hercog (2022/030
Table under the scare
Photo: O. Hercog (2022/030
Table under the scare
Photo: O. Hercog (17/03/2023)
A hole in the wall hangings
We highly recommend this solution .
The advantage is that the hive can be removed from the attachment and taken indoors for inspection or intervention in the nest.
If you place the hive on the wall of the house , you often use the roof overhang and the hive is thus protected against rain and sun .
Solution:
- Attach the crossbars to the wall .
- For a start, make simple hinges from a flat profile (steel or aluminum). You can use, for example, an aluminum strip at least 30 mm wide. You can also use a stronger material, such as a steel strip and paint it with anti-corrosion paint. The material can be found, for example, in a hobby market.
- Bend the hinges into the shape of hooks so that they fit well on the horizontal crossbars.
Anchor the hinges to the hive body using long and sufficiently strong screws. - necessary to create a barrier against ants on the crossbars . A description of protection against ants is described HERE .
- To construct the solution and attach the hinges to the hive, use screws with a diameter of at least 5 mm, preferably longer.
- Use similar screws to attach the structure to the wall. It is also necessary to use high-quality dowels/anchors there.
The hive is relatively heavy (around 10kg), especially if you weight the roof of the hive with a brick (we recommend this to secure the roof and ensure better sealing). - Remember that if you load the hive roof (for example with bricks/stones), the forces acting on the attachment will be quite large.
- If you are considering using this solution on a wooden shed wall or fence, this is also possible. However, you need to make sure that the wall/fence does not move and is rigid. Otherwise, vibrations and shocks will be transmitted to the hive and disturb its inhabitants.
Protection against ants - scarecrow on the wall hangings
Photo O. Hercog
Hive on the wall hangings – detail of the solution and protection against ants
Photo O. Hercog
The same solution can be successfully used on small walls , such as the base of a fence. This will expand your options for where to place the hive: find a shady spot in the garden, while having the hive firmly attached to the wall and at a height where the bumblebee queens themselves look for nesting sites.
Placing the hive on the hangers on the fence wall
Photo O. Hercog
also sell curtain rods . This is a help for those who cannot make a similar solution themselves.
It is enough to manipulate the roof during hive maintenance and the insufficient attachment of the hive to the wall may gradually loosen.
Do not forget that if you load the hive roof (for example with a brick/stone), the forces acting on the attachment will be relatively large.
Commercially manufactured hive hanger
Photo manufacturer's website
A nest located indoors
With regard to the gradual increase in temperatures, we highly recommend - the shelter does not overheat and is well protected against weather fluctuations , low and high temperatures.
Solution
- The nest can be placed inside a building, apartment, shed, garage , etc.
- Be careful when placing the hive in small spaces and on walls exposed to the sun in lightweight structures (such as tool sheds). In these spaces, the hive is at risk of overheating, just like outdoors. A hive placed close to a wall exposed to the sun, e.g. made of only boards, behaves in the same way as a hive exposed to direct sunlight.
In these situations, it is necessary that the space can be effectively ventilated and that the hive does not touch the perimeter wall of the lightweight structure. - You can place the nest in an apartment and lead the passage to a balcony or wall, including a panel house.
- The passage is actually an external corridor leading through the wall . Outside there is only a flap and a door serving as an entrance.
- You can place the hive inside the building, complete with flap, but then you must ensure that the bumblebees can fly in and out freely. This works up to a maximum distance of 3 m, even in the dark. Longer distances in the building can be a problem for the bumblebees.
- If you have a hive in your apartment, the ants may not find it, but it is a good idea to keep an eye on it. If the hive is located in a shed or where ants move, you need to consider ant protection. You will probably use the solution listed HERE
- If you use a long corridor, it is necessary to apply a specific procedure for placing the mother, see
. - Information about solutions for long corridors can be found HERE .
Using the external corridor to place a hive indoors Photo J. Čížek
Location of the hive in the interior
Photo M. Stuchl and J. Čížek
A hole in the cellar of Děčín Castle
Photo A. Ungerová
Placing the hive in a garage or basement with a flap led out through a long pipe
Photo E. Kalčíková
Placing the hive on the balcony
We recommend placing the hive on the balcony .
This location combines the advantages of being on an elevated spot and protected from the vagaries of the weather.
However, be careful not to let the sun shine on you. The south sides of houses are particularly problematic , as they heat up easily.
A certain limitation is that you have to accept the presence of bumblebee tenants and share your living space with them.
We do not recommend this solution if you are allergic to bumblebee stings and have small children of an age where they do not understand the rules of coexistence with bumblebees.
Placing them on a balcony is a solution for breeders who do not have their own garden. Bumblebees can be kept this way even on the 6th floor of a panel house. Bumblebees will reliably find their home and at the same time they will be better protected there against parasites that rarely reach such heights.
Many urban beekeepers use this solution and, together with their families, become frugal. Bumblebees only need a small free space to fly .
Solution:
- Place the hive in a place where you won't mind bumblebee traffic (arrivals and departures).
- You can place the shelter with a flap on the balcony or the shelter indoors and the flap on the balcony.
- You can also place the flap outside the balcony, but then you will be limited in observing the movement of bumblebees.
However, you should expect the flap to be subject to maintenance , which you must have easy access to even in this case. Also, pay attention to your own safety, so that our colleague Karel Kučera from the emergency services does not have to come for you... - The flap must not be exposed to weather extremes, especially wind and rain.
- If you have pets and children , we recommend placing the shelter on an elevated place .
- It is also necessary to think about protection against ants on balconies, especially in ground floor apartments. We recommend not to neglect this. For example, use the solution described HERE .
- Information about solutions for long corridors can be found HERE
Location of the hive on the balcony of a panel house
Photo by Š. Vácha
Location of the outlet in the interior with the flap removed
Photo K. Ráčková
Placing the hive indoors with the flap on the balcony
Photo Š. Vácha
A hole in the ground
We don't have any recommendations here because we want to test the solution ourselves first.
Bumblebees often have their nests in the ground. The breeder can also prepare a ground nest for them. Such a nest has no problems with temperature regulation and for some species it is natural. The ground has natural conditions, humidity and temperature.
However, there are a number of reasons why we will leave this solution for a separate post.
Placing a hive in the ground is quite complicated. You have to deal with several risks, such as flooding the hive, problems with ventilation, moisture condensation and access to the hive, protection of the bumblebee colony, etc.
Therefore, this solution is not suitable for beginners.
Concrete slats are also available on the market. We have not tested this product in practice and would be happy to share your experiences. We are rather reluctant to use this solution due to the risks mentioned above.
But we couldn't find anything else on the market.
certainly do not recommend hives that are placed in the ground and do not have a chance to ventilate, check the condition of the nest, and resolve any situations that arise.
Solution:
Since 2020, Čmeláci PLUS has been testing a unique solution for you: a hive placed in the ground. We will let you know the results.
Other solutions
There are a number of other solutions that are more suitable for experienced breeders.
Hives in the exterior under a shelter with a flap and with a flap behind a long corridor
Photo M. Stuchl and J. Čížek
Example of outdoor corridors of hives located inside the warehouse
Photo K. Kučera
Leveling the hive
Every year, bumblebee communities deal with the flap and its function. Beginner beekeepers find that bumblebees struggle with the flap. Often, they leave the flap open and it is "painted" - parasites penetrate the nest..
If it is not set correctly , it may cause the protective flap to malfunction . Try simply taking a spirit level and checking it.
The flap:
a) gets stuck (the flap is tilted to the side),
b) is too “ heavy” (the flap is tilted backwards),
c) is too “ light ” (the flap is tilted forwards).
So a spirit level might solve unnecessary worries later. And what if you don't have a spirit level? "The blue ones already know" and so do housewives - just place a bowl of water on the roof of the hive and that's it.
Leveling the hive
Leveling the hive