When the time comes that your bee hive needs to be relocated there is just one question we need to ask. Does the hive need to be moved a short distance, less than two kilometres? Or a long distance, more than two kilometres? Both options for relocating stingless bee hives are very simple but we need to tackle the two situations differently.
Relocating Stingless Bee Hives more than 2 kilometres
Long distance procedure
- Wait until night time and secure the bees inside the hive. Just make sure oxygen can still make its way into the hive. Old mesh or if you have one of the ABeeC hives, we have these travel plugs. Just don’t forget to block off any vent or drain holes.
- That night or the next morning move the hive to the new location more than 2 kilometres away.
- When at the new location open the hive up and let the bees out.
- The bees will do a re orientation flight to work out the new location of the hive.
Relocating Stingless Bee Hives less than 2 kilometres
Short distance procedure
We have two options for moving the bees less than two kilometres. The bees can handle the hive being moved about one metre and the bees will adjust to the new spot. However, we recommend around half a metre as this is less stressful on the hive.
First option is
- At night time move the hive half a metre towards the intended new location
- Wait 1-2 days and repeat the process until at the new location.
We have found an old umbrella stand or wheelbarrow can help the move if you need to move the hive across multiple nights.
The above option is handy if you only need to shift the hive 20 meters or so. What if you need to shift the hive 500 meters or 1 kilometre? That is over one year of half a meter moves.
Instead, what we can do is utilise the steps in the two kilometre shift but do the large move twice.
- Wait until night time and secure the bees inside the hive. Just make sure oxygen can still make its way into the hive. Old mesh or if you have one, an ABeeC hives travel plugs is perfect for this. Just don’t forget to block off any vent or drain holes underneath etc.
- That night or the next morning move the hive to the new location more than 2 kilometres away.
- When at the new location, remove the mesh or plug to allow the bees their usual access
- The bees will do a re orientation flight to work out the new location of the hive. This may happen over a few days. Don’t be alarmed.
- After 5-6 weeks wait until night time again. Close the hive up with the mesh or travel plug.
- Move the hive back to the new location.
- Release the bees and they will do a new re orientation flight. This may happen over a few days. Don’t be alarmed.
This procedure will work for all stingless bees including Tetragonula Carbonaria, Tetragonula Hockingsi & Austroplebeia Australis.
Now let the bee enjoy there new location.
If you are looking to send a hive via post, have a look at this shipping guide here.
Need more help?
Still need some help please reach out to us on 07 3206 0552 or info@ABeeC.com.au