Beekeeping in an Urban Enviroment

Hi Christy. Thanks for taking time to answer questions this week.

What suggestions / recommendations would you have for someone considering beekeeping in an urban enviroment? Do you think fencing in the hive is best to keep curious / mischevious people out? What type of "boundary zone" should one plan for around the hive to create a safer zone for both the bees and people? I am not aware that there are any regulations to keep me from having a hive. I would really like one for pollination and the honey would be a nice secondary benefit.

Hi Jen,

point the entrance holes of the bees towards a hedge that is approximately 20feet away. The hedge should be 8-10 feet high. This hedge works to hide your bees, plus the bees will have to fly over the hedge and thus over the head of your neighbours. No mid air collisions thus no stings, good bee dispersal thus usually no problems.

(I'm used to measurements in m, so my distances in feet are probably a bit generous)

In some cities there are ordinances to consider. In mine there is a limit of 4 hives per quarter acre, they have to be 20 feet from the property line, have to have a 6 foot hedge or screen, clean water has to be supplied 20 feet away between March 1 to October 31, and the owner has to inspect the hives 4 times a year and keep a written record.