Rules and features of bee transportation

Many beekeepers practice migratory beekeeping. This method makes it possible to produce richer, and therefore more beneficial, honey, and significantly increases the efficiency of nectar collection. Migratory beekeeping is especially popular among those whose apiaries are located far from forests, fields, and other areas rich in nectar plants. These are the main, but not the only, advantages of nomadic beekeeping.

Benefits of migratory beekeeping

Moving hives offers several significant benefits, including:

• The opportunity to place hives in eco-friendly locations to produce premium-quality honey;
• The ability to temporarily position bee hives near specific nectar plants to collect targeted types of nectar such as buckwheat honey, acacia honey, etc;
• The chance to set hives in areas with a strong forage base. Most bees are unable to fly farther than 2.5 km from their hive, and migratory beekeeping improves nectar collection efficiency and nectar quality;

However, this is a complex and labor-intensive process, as the weight of one wooden hive (without honey) reaches 20 kg.

When to transport bee hives

To transport an apiary, it’s important to choose a time when bees can most easily explore nearby areas (fields, meadows, forests, etc.). In other words, bees should be transported during their peak activity periods, most often in early spring or autumn. Each season has its own features and advantages:

Advantages of Spring Hive Transportation:

• Hives contain fewer adult bees and less brood;
• There are no frames fully filled with honey, so hive weight is minimal;
• No new combs are present;

Transporting bee colonies is not only difficult but also highly responsible, with many risks involved. To ensure success. First, find a suitable apiary site for relocation. Then, prepare the hives and the means of transport. The most convenient options are a cart or car trailer, depending on the number and size of hives. Requirements for Bee Relocation Sites

The site where the bees are transported should:

• Be level and spacious enough to accommodate all bee houses;
• Be free of drafts and preferably have diffused lighting;
• Be located near a water source (ideally a river rather than a lake or pond with stagnant water);
• Have a high nectar plant potential, with an abundance of nectar-producing plants;
• Be far from major roads, highways, factories, and industrial facilities that pollute the environment;
• Be at least 4 km from the permanent apiary location, otherwise, the bees may fly back to their original hives;

Before transporting hives, it’s important to secure the frames. If they are more than half-filled with honey, consider removing them and securing them along the perimeter of the cart or trailer. The quality of the frames and hives greatly influences the success of transportation and the migratory beekeeping process.

The most reliable products for nomadic beekeeping are polyurethane hives, as they are lightweight and have a seamless, solid body.

Reliable and convenient polyurethane hives from TM CraftOil

The CraftOil company, known for its aromatic, delicious, and highly beneficial oils, offers a wide range of products for beekeepers. The catalog includes various types of honey extractors (tangential, radial, combined), a creamer with decrystallizer, filter-settler, frame uncapping table, and durable, practical polymer hives of various capacities.

At CraftOil, you can quickly find: 10-frame 300 mm polyurethane hive, 10-frame 145 mm polyurethane hive, 10-frame 230 mm polyurethane hive, Frames and hive bodies for them. Each product is distinguished by its minimal weight, resistance to external influences, and long service life.

Want to learn more about the benefits and features of our polyurethane hives? Not sure which model is best for your apiary? Our consultants are ready to answer all your questions and help you make a choice that will definitely please you.