Apiary Safety

Apiary security covers both protecting hives against theft, animals and natural disasters and the safety of the beekeeper working in the apiary and of people nearby. Most of the measures are cheap and simple: the right site, sturdy stands, records, a fence, mouse guards, smoker discipline and being prepared for allergic reactions. Most losses result from neglecting these simple measures.

How can you protect beehives from theft?

Hive theft is a serious problem in many areas and is often committed by people who know beekeeping, especially during nectar flows and migration periods. A single measure is not enough; several together act as a deterrent.

• Reduce visibility: An apiary visible from the road is more of a target. Choose a site out of sight but accessible by vehicle.
• Put on permanent marks: Mark and number hive bodies, roofs and frame top bars by branding or engraving; enter these numbers in your record book and in your records in the Beekeeping Registration System.
• GPS tracker: A tracking device hidden in a few hives is both a deterrent and increases the chance of recovering stolen hives.
• Secure the hives: Chaining or strapping hives to each other or to the stand makes it harder to move them quickly.
• Build good relations locally: A nearby farmer, shepherd or villager is the best lookout; they will let you know when they see a vehicle they do not recognise.
• Visit at irregular times: An apiary visited on the same day and at the same time every week tells a thief when it will be unattended.
• Keep photos and records: In case of theft, have the number, type, colour and markings of the hives ready to give to the police.

In Türkiye, apiary and hive insurance can be taken out under the state-supported agricultural insurance scheme (TARSİM). Which risks are covered (such as theft, fire, flood, animal attack) depends on the policy terms; read the cover carefully before taking out insurance.

Protecting the apiary from animals

• Bears: In areas with bears (in Türkiye, especially the forested areas of the Black Sea region and Eastern Anatolia), they knock hives over and eat the combs. The most effective solution is a constantly maintained electric fence; a high stand or cage alone is not enough.
• Grazing animals: Cattle, horses and sheep can rub against hives and knock them over, and they also anger the bees. The apiary should be fenced.
• Badgers and wild boar: They try to knock hives over or dig at the floor; sturdy stands, strapping and a fence protect against them.
• Rodents: In autumn, when the cluster forms, a mouse guard is fitted to the entrance. A mouse that goes unnoticed in winter gnaws the colony's combs.
• Birds: Some species such as the bee-eater hunt bees flying in front of the hive; they usually do not destroy the colony, but because they can also catch queens on mating flights, they are taken into account in queen-rearing apiaries. In some regions woodpeckers peck through wooden hives in winter to get inside.
• Hornets and wasps: They attack weak colonies in late summer. A strong colony and a reduced entrance are the best protection.

Precautions against natural hazards

• Flood: Avoid stream beds, dry river beds and hollows; one night's downpour can wash away the whole apiary.
• Storm: Strap hives down, put weights on the roofs, and do not place hives under old trees that might fall.
• Fire: In areas with dry grass, mow the grass around the apiary; do not put the smoker down on dry grass.
• Extreme heat: Provide midday shade, light-coloured roofs and adequate ventilation.
• Snow and ice: Check whether the entrance is blocked by snow; right any hive knocked over by heavy snow straight away.

Smoker safety: beekeeping's biggest fire hazard

Most fires started by apiaries are caused by the smoker. A smoker put down on the ground on a dry, windy day, or tossed into a vehicle while still hot, can set a large area alight.

1. Light the smoker in an open area, on non-flammable ground.
2. While working, put the smoker down on a hive roof or a stone, not on dry grass.
3. When you have finished, put it out by plugging the nozzle or in a metal box with a lid.
4. Never put a hot smoker in a vehicle; even in a metal box, make sure it has cooled down completely.
5. Use dry, harmless natural material as fuel (dry grass, pine needles, rotten wood, unpainted cardboard); do not burn plastic, oily or painted material.
6. On days of high fire risk, keep water with you; during fire bans, follow local rules.

The beekeeper's safety

• Protective clothing: A bee-tight veil, a light-coloured suit or jacket, and gloves and boots that seal the wrists and ankles. Leaving the veil open with an aggressive colony is the most common mistake.
• Allergy: If, after a sting, there is itching and hives all over the body, swelling of the face and throat, shortness of breath or dizziness, this is a serious allergic reaction; call the emergency services (112) immediately. Anyone who has had a severe reaction before should consult their doctor before continuing to keep bees and carry the emergency medication the doctor recommends.
• Working alone: If you work alone in a remote apiary, make sure someone knows where you are and when you will be back.
• Phone: It should be charged and within coverage, and the location of the apiary should be saved.
• Heat and water: Working in a bee suit in summer causes rapid fluid loss; drink plenty of water and avoid the hottest hours.
• Lifting: A full super is heavy. Lift by bending at the knees, get help, or use smaller supers.

The safety of neighbours and passers-by

The safety of people around the apiary is the beekeeper's responsibility.

• Raise the flight path with a fence or plants; entrances should not face roads or houses.
• Requeen aggressive colonies.
• Do not inspect when the neighbour is in the garden, or in windy, cool weather.
• Put a warning sign at the entrance to the apiary and keep the fence gate closed.
• Inform your neighbours; find out whether anyone has a bee sting allergy.