There are factors and considerations that need to be put in mind when selecting an apiary site for efficient economic production, health of colonies and ease of management.
The major consideration when selecting an apiary site is access to reliable good quality nectar and pollen. This is because honey bees require a balanced diet of nectar, pollen and water. Select sites where the major plant spices are flowering.
Other factors
The site should be selected if possible close to the home to make supervision easy. Access to the site is very important hence. Avoid sites that are difficult to access or those that might be cut off during flooding.
The site can be obtained from private property by seeking permission from the owner. It is good business practice for the business owner to take public liability insurance and fire insurance when colonies are located on both private land and government land.
Open sites are preferred but sites offering some shade area are of advantage in very hot weather. It is necessary to watch out for and control local pest insects eg ants and toads.
Places to avoid
Avoid areas where floods are likely to occur and also avoid areas with high risk of fire outbreak.
Avoid placing apiaries near gate ways, stock yards, animal watering areas, dams, camps.
Avoid placing apiaries in areas which are exposed to insecticides or even accidental spray drift. It is also important not to locate apiaries near feed mills, sugar mills, factories and feedlots as some times bees will roam to such places for protein or sugar and away from human traffic.
