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Beekeepers often position their bee yards close to a natural source of water.

Beekeepers often position their bee yards close to a natural source of water.
© University of Manitoba

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Beekeepers often position their bee yards close to a natural source of water. These hives have been positioned in a grove of trees to protect them from the wind. Hive boxes are kept above the ground to protect the bees from the damp grass and small pests.

Placement

Beekeepers protect their colonies by setting the hives in a suitable location. Ideally, beehives should be placed in front of a windbreak that shields them from prevailing winds, and on dry land. The entrance to the hive should be facing southeast for morning sun exposure. Bees should also be near a constant source of water.

Of course not all of these conditions are naturally available on every property. Beekeepers may have to be creative in improving conditions, for example, by installing a snow fence or providing buckets full of water near the hives.

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