Rooftop and balcony beehives: how urban beekeeping is thriving

Beekeeping is traditionally associated with the countryside and rural charm. However, the global decline in bee populations and the growing interest in pollinators have given rise to a unique trend — urban beekeeping.

For instance, in just the past two years, the number of beekeepers in New York City has quadrupled. In early 2023, there were around 325 officially registered beekeepers. Today, that number is approximately 1,300. This dramatic rise is largely due to the repeal of a 1999 city law that banned beekeeping within city limits, following increasing concerns over pollinator decline.

As a result, beehives in cities can now be found in the most unexpected places across the United States: on school grounds, in public parks, and especially on the rooftops of residential and commercial buildings. Even some hotels are installing rooftop beehives, highlighting the ecological benefits — bees help pollinate urban flora and maintain biodiversity.

Key features of urban beekeeping

Urban apiaries differ significantly from rural ones. First, urban areas generally offer a more limited forage base — especially for bees, which are only attracted to floral nectar (unlike wasps). Flowering plants are less abundant in cities, so the number of hives must be moderate.

For a household of four people, 1–2 hives are enough to produce sufficient honey, bee pollen, propolis, and wax — reducing household costs without requiring major expenses for upkeep.

Secondly, choosing the right bee species for city hives is essential. Not all bees adapt well to urban conditions. The Caucasian Mountain bees and Carpathian bees are known to thrive in cities.

As for placement, flat rooftops, balconies, terraces, or verandas are all suitable options. Even during winter, hives don’t need to be relocated. In cities, bees tolerate cold quite well. When temperatures drop below 7°C (44.6°F), bees cluster and generate heat through vibration. Even during harsh -30°C (-22°F) winters, the temperature inside a well-insulated hive can remain around +20°C (68°F).

Polyurethane foam beehives (PU hives) are the best choice for urban beekeeping. They are lightweight, highly durable, and offer outstanding thermal insulation. These hives are easy to clean and resistant to environmental factors like UV rays, wind, and temperature fluctuations.

Premium PU foam hives by CraftOil — the ideal urban beekeeping solution

CraftOil — known for its 100% natural, nutrient-rich plant-based oils — also offers a specialized range of beekeeping equipment. In addition to oil presses and accessories, their catalog includes high-quality PU foam beehives of various sizes and capacities.

Models such as: 10-frame PU hive (300 mm), 10-frame PU hive (145 mm), 10-frame PU hive (234 mm) and others provide bees with optimal comfort and protection, ensuring insulation and preventing excess moisture buildup.

CraftOil hives are easy to use and maintain, with no need for frequent or costly servicing. They are perfect for urban rooftop apiaries, balcony hives, and traditional rural beekeeping alike.

CraftOil also supplies: honey extractors in various designs and power levels,  settling and filtering tanks, uncapping presses and other tools designed to simplify the daily tasks of beekeepers.

To explore the full range of urban beekeeping supplies, visit our website and submit a request — our team will help you find the best fit for your needs.