Over the past few years, backyard beekeeping has gained popularity as a rewarding hobby that connects you with nature while contributing to the environment. By keeping honeybee colonies, you can harvest honey and other hive products, while also supporting local biodiversity through pollination. This guide will provide you with imperative tips and insights to ensure your beekeeping experience is both successful and enjoyable, allowing you to create a thriving apiary right in your own backyard.
The Basics of Backyard Beekeeping
While launching on your backyard beekeeping journey, it’s necessary to familiarize yourself with the nature and biology of honeybees. Understanding what makes these insects so fascinating will enrich your beekeeping experience and help ensure your colonies thrive. You’ll find that honeybees are not merely pollinators; they form complex social structures where each member has specific roles that contribute to the hive’s overall health and productivity.
Understanding Honeybee Biology
Along with their ability to produce honey, honeybees are social insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera, and they live in highly organized colonies consisting of a queen, worker bees, and drones. Each member plays a vital role within the colony: the queen lays eggs, workers perform various tasks including foraging and hive maintenance, and drones are there solely for mating. As you probe deeper into beekeeping, realizing the interconnectedness of these roles will enhance your management strategies.
Moreover, honeybees collect nectar and pollen, which are necessary for their survival and reproduction. Nectar is transformed into honey, which serves as the primary carbohydrate source for the colony, while pollen provides necessary proteins necessary for rearing young bees. Understanding these dietary needs can significantly influence your approach to feeding and managing your bees, ensuring they remain healthy and productive.
The Importance of Bees in Ecosystems
Backyard beekeeping goes beyond simply producing honey; it also contributes significantly to local ecosystems. Bees play an necessary role as pollinators, making them vital for the reproduction of many flowering plants, including fruits and vegetables. Their activities promote biodiversity by supporting the growth of various plant species, which in turn forms the basis of many terrestrial food webs.
Biology also supports the idea that the survival of many agricultural crops directly depends on pollination services provided by honeybees. In fact, they are responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of the food we consume. Thus, by engaging in backyard beekeeping, you’re not only producing a natural resource for yourself but also fostering a healthier environment.
Types of Beekeeping Practices
Before you decide to start your own beekeeping venture, it’s helpful to understand the various practices that exist. Whether you aspire to be a hobbyist with a few hives or a commercial beekeeper managing thousands of colonies, your approach will greatly depend on your goals. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of beekeeping practices:
| Type | Description |
| Hobby Beekeeping | Ideal for beginners, focusing on personal enjoyment and small-scale honey production. |
| Commercial Beekeeping | Involves large-scale management aimed at maximizing honey production and pollination services. |
| Portable Beekeeping | Allows beekeepers to move hives to various locations for optimum foraging opportunities. |
| Organic Beekeeping | Follows strict guidelines to avoid synthetic chemicals, promoting natural health practices. |
| Bee Rescue | Focuses on safely relocating honeybee colonies from unwanted locations. |
Consequently, your beekeeping practice should align with your personal objectives and available resources. Understanding your goals will guide your decisions on hive management, equipment, and bee welfare.
- Have a clear definition of your goals.
- Consider your yard size and environmental conditions.
- Evaluate your willingness to invest time and resources.
- Research local regulations affecting beekeeping.
- Assume that every aspect of your practice will influence hive productivity.
Ultimately, becoming a proficient backyard beekeeper requires education and immersion in the world of honeybees. By familiarizing yourself with different beekeeping practices, you’ll position yourself for success and create a thriving environment for your bees.
| Practice | Consideration |
| Time Commitment | The amount of time you can dedicate influences hive management. |
| Space Requirements | Certain practices may need more space to accommodate hives. |
| Equipment Needs | Different practices will require varying types of beekeeping equipment. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Adherence to local laws dictates allowable practices. |
| Personal Goals | Your goals will significantly shape your beekeeping style. |
Importantly, assume that your capacity to learn and adapt will greatly influence your success in backyard beekeeping.
Setting Up Your Backyard Apiary
Any aspiring beekeeper knows that the success of your backyard apiary begins long before the bees arrive. Planning and creating the right environment for your hives not only facilitates the health and productivity of your colonies but also enhances your beekeeping experience. With the proper setup, you can provide your bees with a suitable habitat, making it easier for them to thrive and fulfill their roles as pollinators and honey producers.
Choosing the Right Location
Apiary placement is one of the most crucial aspects of starting your beekeeping journey. Selecting a location that offers protection from strong winds, direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, and accessibility for your maintenance routine will contribute to the well-being of your bees. Consider areas that are close to flowering plants or gardens, as bees need a reliable nectar source for honey production and overall colony health. Placing your apiary at least three miles away from other beehives will help reduce the risk of diseases and parasites, ensuring your bees have ample foraging opportunities.
Additionally, the location of your apiary should be easily accessible for you to manage hives and harvest honey. Avoid low areas prone to flooding and choose spots that have good drainage. Provide a water source nearby, as bees also require water for various hive activities, including diluting honey and regulating the hive temperature.
Selecting the Appropriate Hive
Selecting the right hive is fundamental to creating a successful backyard beekeeping setup. Several hive designs are available, but the Langstroth hive is the most popular among beekeepers due to its modular design and ease of management. This style allows you to stack boxes, called supers, as your colony grows, providing ample space for the queen to lay eggs and for honey storage. Other hive types, such as Top-Bar and Warre hives, offer unique benefits depending on how hands-on you wish to be with your bees.
It’s important to consider your goals and level of commitment when choosing your hive. If you’re looking to produce honey on a larger scale, a Langstroth hive may be the best fit for you. For those interested in a more natural approach, Top-Bar and Warre hives can promote healthier bee behavior and require less invasive management, giving you a unique beekeeping experience.
Essential Beekeeping Equipment
Along with your hive, you will need several key pieces of equipment to ensure that your beekeeping endeavors run smoothly. Basic tools include a bee suit for protection, gloves, a hive tool to pry apart hive boxes, and a smoker to calm the bees during inspections. A bee brush can also help gently move bees when working within the hive. Each of these items contributes to a more effective handling experience, improving both your comfort and the safety of the bees.
Backyard beekeeping means you’ll also want to invest in high-quality frames and foundation material, as these serve as the starting point for honeycomb construction. Additionally, having a honey extractor on hand is important if you plan on harvesting honey, allowing you to efficiently extract honey without damaging the comb. Ensuring you have these crucial tools can lead to greater success in managing your colonies.
Hive Placement and Orientation
Backyard hive placement is a significant factor in ensuring that your bees thrive. Consider positioning your hives in a location that benefits from morning sunlight to encourage early foraging and warmth. Avoid placing your hives too close to residential areas to minimize any potential disturbances, and ensure adequate space between hives to allow bees to navigate easily while foraging. Proper placement can minimize stress on your bees, ultimately improving their lifespan and productivity.
And you should also think about hive orientation; facing the entrance towards a tree line or another shelter can offer protection from wind and rain, creating a more stable environment. Additionally, having the entrance hive facing southeast will ensure that your bees receive morning sunlight, promoting early activity and effective foraging as the temperatures rise throughout the day. Paying attention to both placement and orientation will significantly enhance the success of your backyard apiary.
Selecting Your Honeybee Colony
Unlike choosing a pet, selecting a honeybee colony requires understanding the dynamics of different breeds and their suitability for your specific environment and beekeeping goals. A few popular honeybee breeds include the Italian, Carniolan, and Russian honeybees, each with unique characteristics that can affect hive performance, temperament, and honey production. It’s important to consider your climate, floral availability, and your ability to manage aggressive behaviors associated with certain breeds. Below is a table summarizing these common honeybee breeds:
| Honeybee Breed | Key Characteristics |
| Italian | Gentle, prolific, good honey producers. |
| Carniolan | Hardy, quick to build up in spring, less aggressive. |
| Russian | Resistant to pests, good for cooler climates, work well in spring. |
| Carnica | Adaptable to various environments, efficient foragers. |
| Hybrid | Combines traits of different breeds for specific purposes. |
Thou should select your honeybee breed based on their adaptability to your local climate conditions and your level of beekeeping experience.
Purchasing Your First Colony
The next step is to purchase your first honeybee colony. This can often be done through local beekeepers, beekeeping associations, or online suppliers. It’s advisable to choose a reputable source, as a healthy colony will significantly affect your initial beekeeping experience. Start by deciding whether you want a nucleus colony (nuc) or a package of bees, as each option comes with different advantages and disadvantages for novice beekeepers.
For instance, purchasing a nucleus colony usually provides you with a smaller, established colony complete with a queen, workers, and brood. This can offer a more straightforward introduction to beekeeping, as the colony is already in a functioning state. Alternatively, a package of bees consists solely of workers and a queen placed in a separate box, requiring you to nurture and build the colony from scratch, which can be a rewarding learning experience for those interested in understanding the beekeeping process more thoroughly.
Nucleus Colonies vs. Package Bees
One of the primary considerations when selecting your honeybee colony is choosing between nucleus colonies and package bees. Nucleus colonies, or nucs, are small, fully functioning hives that include a queen, workers, and some brood, making them a great option for beginners. In contrast, package bees offer a queen and several thousand worker bees, but with no brood, requiring more effort to establish a thriving colony.
Plus, nucs generally provide a more stable setup, as they have a well-established brood cycle, which can lead to faster growth and honey production. However, package bees can be a more economical option for those looking to start multiple hives, as they are often less expensive than nucs. Evaluating your goals and resources will help you make the best choice for your first honeybee colony.
Managing Your Beehive
Many novice and experienced beekeepers alike will find that effective hive management is integral to maintaining healthy colonies and maximizing honey production. Regular monitoring of your hives will not only ensure the wellbeing of your bees but also help you address any issues before they become significant problems. By following a structured inspection routine, you can observe the behavior of your bees, the condition of the hive, and the overall health of your colony.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Among the most imperative tasks in hive management is conducting regular inspections of your beehive. Ideally, these inspections should occur every 7-10 days during the active season, particularly in spring and summer. During these inspections, you’ll want to check for signs of disease, assess the queen’s laying pattern, and look for sufficient stores of honey and pollen. A well-maintained hive allows you to monitor the temperament of your bees and detect any early signs of swarming, ensuring you can take action as needed.
In addition to routine inspections, it’s vital to maintain the physical structure of your hive. Check for damage to the hive’s wooden components and ensure that ventilation is adequate. Bees require a stable temperature and humidity level within their hive; any breaches can lead to issues like mold growth or overheating. Keeping your hive in good repair will contribute to the longevity of your bees and the success of your beekeeping endeavor.
Feeding Your Bees: When and How
Below, you’ll find guidance on how to approach feeding your bees. During times of insufficient nectar flow, particularly in early spring or late fall, you may need to supplement your bees’ diet to ensure they have enough resources to thrive. Common feeding methods include sugar syrup, which can be made by mixing two parts sugar with one part water, and pollen substitutes to bolster protein intake. The key is timing; bees can consume syrup quickly when it’s warm outside, but feeding in cooler months requires different considerations.
Bees will appreciate being fed a sugar syrup solution during the spring when their colonies are building strength. This is especially important during a dearth of natural foraging options. You should also feed your bees in the fall to help them prepare for winter, ensuring they have adequate stores to survive the cold months. Understanding their feeding needs is imperative for maintaining your colonies’ health and productivity.
Swarm Management Techniques
Management of swarming is another vital aspect of keeping your beehive healthy and productive. Swarming occurs naturally when a colony becomes crowded, leading to the production of new queens. To prevent a swarm, you can split your colony by creating a new hive box with a portion of the bees, including a queen cell. Such action not only reduces the likelihood of your original colony swarming but also increases your apiary’s population and honey production.
Keeping an eye on the signs of swarming can help you implement preventative measures proactively. Look for queen cells being constructed and an increase in bee activity at the entrance of the hive. By ensuring that your bees have enough space and resources, you can effectively minimize the chances of swarming and keep your colonies thriving.
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Beehive health heavily depends on effective disease prevention and management strategies. Regular inspections allow you to check for signs of common diseases such as Varroa mites or American foulbrood. By identifying these issues early, you can take preventative measures, such as applying miticides or following strict sanitation protocols within your hive to keep your bees healthy and productive.
Even the most vigilant beekeepers can face challenges with diseases; thus, educating yourself on common afflictions and their treatments is imperative. Investing in proper beekeeping supplies and maintaining good records will assist you in managing potential health threats within your hives, ensuring long-term success in your backyard beekeeping journey.
Harvesting Honey and Other Products
Your journey into backyard beekeeping will eventually lead you to the rewarding process of harvesting honey and other valuable bee products. Understanding the lifecycle of honey production is vital for maximizing your yield and ensuring the health of your colonies.
Understanding Honey Production Cycles
After establishing your hives, it’s important to be aware of the natural cycles of honey production. Honeybees typically gather nectar from flowering plants during the warmer months when blooms are plentiful. Your role as a beekeeper is to monitor these cycles, especially in the spring when the queen is laying eggs, and the colony population is growing. As flowers begin to fade, evaluate the food stores in the hive and consider whether your bees will require supplemental feeding.
During the height of the summer, when bees are busy collecting nectar, you may witness significant honey production. Your timing for harvesting honey should correspond with the end of these production cycles, usually late summer or early fall, before the bees prepare for winter. This understanding allows you to effectively manage your hives and optimize the honey yield.
Techniques for Honey Extraction
By implementing effective techniques for honey extraction, you can ensure that you harvest honey with minimal disruption to your colonies. The most common method involves using an extractor, which spins the frames to separate honey from the comb using centrifugal force. This allows you to harvest honey while leaving the comb intact, so bees can refill it. Ensure that frames are capped, indicating that the honey is ready for harvest, typically when moisture content is low enough to prevent fermentation.
Even after extraction, your responsibilities aren’t over. It’s crucial to clean the extracted honey thoroughly and store it in appropriate containers. Consider investing in quality equipment to filter and package your honey, ensuring you maintain its natural flavor and health benefits. Always handle your tools and bees with care to ensure a smooth extraction process.
Collecting Pollen and Beeswax
Among the valuable products from your beekeeping venture are pollen and beeswax, both of which have numerous applications. Collecting pollen can be done using special traps placed at the entrance of the hive, allowing you to harvest excess pollen while the bees continue their foraging. This process might require a bit of practice, but it can add significantly to your beekeeper’s bounty.
Indeed, beeswax is another byproduct that can be harvested from your hives. Honeycomb can be melted down to produce pure beeswax, which is highly valued for cosmetics, candles, and even woodworking. Ensure to collect wax responsibly, leaving enough for your colonies to use as they maintain their hive health.
Selling Bee Products: Regulations and Tips
For those interested in turning their beekeeping hobby into a profitable endeavor, understanding the regulations in your area is vital. Each state may have different guidelines regarding food safety, labeling, and sales. It’s advisable to check with local agricultural departments or beekeeping associations to ensure compliance.
- Learn about local regulations surrounding honey production and sales.
- Invest in quality labeling that highlights your product’s natural and local aspects.
- Participate in local farmers’ markets to connect with your community.
The networking opportunities available at these events can help you gain insights into best practices and customer preferences.
Cycles of production and sales are important to understand as you enter the marketplace. Being aware of seasonal trends in honey demand and knowing when local flowers bloom can greatly enhance your sales strategies.
- Plan your production schedule around these cycles for optimal sales.
- Offer seasonal varieties of honey to attract more customers.
- Build an online presence to reach a larger audience.
The right approach and knowledge will contribute positively to your honey business.
Seasonal Considerations for Beekeeping
Once again, as the seasons change, so does the management of your beekeeping colonies. Each season presents unique challenges and opportunities that require your attention and planning. Understanding these seasonal considerations is key to ensuring the health and productivity of your bees throughout the year. From preparing your colonies in spring to the care they need during winter, being proactive can lead to a thriving beekeeping experience.
Spring: Preparing Your Colonies
The arrival of spring signals the awakening of your bee colonies after the cold winter months. During this time, it’s vital to assess the health of your hives. Check for signs of disease, ensure that there is sufficient food supply, and confirm that your queens are laying eggs effectively. You may need to provide supplemental feeding, particularly if the weather delays the blooming of critical foraging plants. This is also the time to consider expanding your apiary by introducing new colonies or splitting existing ones to manage population growth effectively.
As the temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom, you will observe your bees becoming increasingly active. It is important to keep an eye on the colony’s population, identifying any overcrowding that may prompt swarming. Regular inspections will help you manage this risk and ensure that your bees continue to thrive as they gather nectar and pollen. Providing ample space for the queen to lay eggs and encouraging the growth of worker bees is vital in harnessing the productivity of the season.
Summer: Managing Growth and Honey Flow
An vital aspect of summer beekeeping is managing the growth of your colonies and optimizing honey production. As the colonies expand, they require additional room to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to swarming. Regular inspections will help you monitor the hive’s health and assess honey stores. During this period, ensure you’re using removable frames to facilitate honey extraction and maximize your yield. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that a populous colony can collect and carry into the hive up to 1,000 pounds of nectar and pollen throughout the summer.
Seasonal rains may enhance plant growth, contributing to a bountiful honey flow. You should capitalize on these conditions by ensuring that your hives are equipped to handle the increased foraging activity. This is also the time to consider disease control measures, as high temperatures and humidity can lead to various issues in the hive. Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of disease or pests and act quickly to mitigate any potential loss in production.
Fall: Preparing for Winter
An vital task in the fall is preparing your colonies for the upcoming winter months. As nectar sources begin to dwindle, it’s important to assess your honey stores and ensure that your bees have adequate resources to survive the cold. If necessary, provide supplemental feeding with sugar syrup or fondant to help them build adequate reserves. It’s also vital to evaluate the overall health of your colonies, looking for signs of strong queens and sufficient worker populations.
Understanding the behaviors of your bees during the cooler months will guide your preparations. As temperatures drop, you’ll want to ensure your hives are adequately insulated and protected from harsh winds. Ventilation is also crucial during fall, as too much moisture inside the hive can lead to diseases. Ensure proper ventilation is maintained to foster a healthy environment for your bees throughout the winter.
Winter: Care and Maintenance
Across winter, your focus will shift to the care and maintenance of your hives. During the colder months, the bees form a tight cluster within the hive to conserve heat. It’s important to limit disturbances during this time, as opening the hive too frequently can expose them to cold air and disrupt their natural clustering behavior. Monitor the hives from the outside for signs of activity or potential problems, such as pest infestations or moisture build-up.
Consequently, maintaining good hive hygiene is vital in preventing diseases from weakening your bees over the winter. Ensure the hive is free of excess moisture and debris, as these can foster detrimental conditions for your colony. By taking proactive steps in winter management, you will set your bees up for a robust start come spring, ensuring continuous productivity in your beekeeping endeavors.
Troubleshooting Common Beekeeping Challenges
To successfully navigate the complexities of backyard beekeeping, you must be equipped to troubleshoot common challenges that can arise. Experience and constant observation will help you identify potential issues early, ensuring your colony remains healthy and productive throughout the season.
Recognizing Signs of Colony Stress
Below are a few key indicators that your honeybee colony may be experiencing stress. Changes in behavior, such as increased aggressiveness or bees clustering outside the hive instead of foraging, can be an early warning sign. Additionally, if you notice reduced honey production or a decline in brood patterns, your colony might be suffering from environmental stressors or inadequate resources.
It’s important to regularly inspect your hives and monitor the bee activity and overall health of the colony. Pay attention to odors, abnormal colors, or an unusually high number of dead bees near the entrance, as these can also signify stress conditions within the colony.
Dealing with Pests and Predators
On the journey of backyard beekeeping, managing pests and predators is a challenge you will likely face. Common threats include Varroa mites, wax moths, and hornets. Each of these pests can significantly weaken or even collapse a colony if not addressed in a timely manner. Regular inspections will help you identify pest infestations early and take appropriate action.
Understanding the lifecycle of pests, like the Varroa mite, enables you to implement the most effective treatments. Chemical treatments, mechanical traps, and natural predators can play a role in managing these threats while maintaining the health of your bees. Consider integrating preventive measures, such as maintaining strong colonies and ensuring proper ventilation inside the hive, to help deter infestations.
Managing Aggressiveness in Bees
One of the common challenges you may encounter is managing the aggressiveness of your bees. This can often be triggered by various stress factors such as overcrowding, environmental changes, or the presence of pests. Observing your bees closely during inspections will help you catch any signs of increased aggression early on, allowing you to address the root of the problem before it escalates.
But if you notice aggressive behavior that continues despite addressing identifiable stress factors, consider requeening your colony. A new queen may bring a more docile temperament to the hive, improving overall colony behavior. Additionally, handling your bees gently and refraining from unnecessary disturbances can help to reduce their stress and improve their disposition.
Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies
Above all, ensuring your colony has access to a well-balanced diet is vital for their health and productivity. Honeybees require a diverse diet that includes a variety of pollens in addition to nectar sources. If your bees are not gathering enough nutrition from their environment, they may exhibit signs of distress or decline in egg production, which can weaken the entire colony.
Pests such as the Varroa mite can also complicate nutritional intake, causing further damage to the colony. Ensuring adequate and diverse foraging options near your apiary is key to maintaining strong, healthy bees. Utilizing supplemental feeding strategies during times of dearth can also help alleviate potential nutritional deficiencies.
Pests like wax moths can lead to significant degradation of resources within the hive, further impacting the nutritional availability for your bees. Recognizing these challenges early and implementing strategies such as regular hive maintenance, adequate ventilation, and proper pest control techniques will help you maintain the health of your colonies.
Summing up
Ultimately, if you are considering starting your own backyard beekeeping operation, understand that it offers a rewarding opportunity to engage with nature while contributing positively to the environment. By cultivating your colonies, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor in the form of honey, beeswax, and increased pollination of your garden. Before diving in, ensure you invest in the necessary tools, educate yourself on bee behavior, and pay attention to the local environment to create a thriving habitat for your bees. Connecting with local beekeeping clubs or resources can provide invaluable support as you begin your journey.
Additionally, the responsibilities of backyard beekeeping will also enhance your appreciation for these industrious creatures. You will learn to monitor hive health, recognize signs of diseases and pests, and practice sustainable methods in caring for your bees. As your knowledge grows, you might find yourself not just a beekeeper but a steward of your local ecosystem. By fostering healthy bee populations, you’re contributing to the biodiversity and resilience of your surroundings, making your backyard a place of harmony and productivity.
FAQ
Q: What equipment do I need to start backyard beekeeping?
A: To begin backyard beekeeping, you will need several important pieces of equipment. Start with a beehive or several hive boxes, which include frames and foundation for honeycomb construction. You’ll also need a protective suit with a veil, gloves, and a smoker to manage the bees safely. A hive tool is recommended for inspection and maintenance. Additional equipment includes a bee feeder for supplements and a honey extractor if you plan to harvest honey. As you become more experienced, you may choose to expand your toolkit with more specialized tools.
Q: How can I ensure my bees stay healthy?
A: Ensuring the health of your bees requires regular inspection of the hive. Check for signs of disease, pests, and adequate food supplies. Monitor the queen’s activity and egg-laying patterns. Conduct proper mite management to control Varroa mites, one of the most significant threats to bee health. Provide supplemental feeding during periods of low nectar flow. Additionally, maintaining good hive ventilation and cleanliness can help prevent diseases. Knowledge of bee biology and behavior can also aid in early problem detection.
Q: What flowers are best for attracting honeybees to my backyard?
A: Honeybees are attracted to a variety of flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen. Choose a diverse selection of native wildflowers, as well as flowering herbs such as lavender, thyme, and basil. Trees like apple, cherry, and willow, as well as shrubs such as blueberry and blackberry, can also be beneficial. Aim to have a continuous bloom from early spring to late fall to ensure that bees have a steady food source throughout the season.
Q: How much honey can I expect to harvest from my backyard bees?
A: The amount of honey you can harvest from your backyard bees depends on several factors, including the strength of your colony, local floral resources, and management practices. On average, a healthy hive can produce anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds (9 to 27 kilograms) of honey in a season. However, this can vary widely. It’s important to leave enough honey in the hive for the bees to sustain themselves through winter, typically around 60 to 100 pounds (27 to 45 kilograms) per hive, depending on your climate.
Q: What should I do if my bees become aggressive?
A: If your bees become aggressive, first evaluate your management practices and whether your hive inspections are causing disturbance. Aggression can sometimes be attributed to environmental stressors, queen issues, or pest infestations. Employing gentle hive management techniques can help; maintain calm movements during inspections and use smoke to placate the bees. If aggression persists, consider requeening the hive, as genetics play a significant role in bee temperament. If you feel that the hive poses a danger, consult with a local beekeeper or extension service for advice.