Preparing to Keep Bees

Honey bees can be kept almost anywhere there are flowering plants that produce nectar and pollen. Choose a site for bee hives that is discrete, sheltered from winds and in full sun. Avoid low spots in a yard where cold, damp air accumulates in winter. Your county Extension agent can give you names of local beekeepers and bee organizations that are sources of help and information. Find your local UGA Extension office.

Be considerate of non-beekeeping neighbors. Place hives so that bee flight paths do not cross sidewalks, playgrounds or other public areas. In dry weather, bees may collect water at neighbors' swimming pools or water spigots. You can minimize this activity by providing each colony a Boardman entrance feeder filled with water.