Drifting seems to be a topic that most beekeepers don’t think about when setting up their apiary. Drifting typically happens when the hives are set up in a row configuration. Normally you will find that at the start of the row and the end of the row those hives will end up with more bees inside than what they started with. Even as smart as bees are, they can get confused as to which hive is theirs when coming back from the field. Not able to recognize which hive is theirs, they tend to drift on either the start or end of a row. Those hives will except a field bee that is loaded with a full stomach of nectar. When those same field bees leave that hive, they will go back to that same hive. That’s how the population grows in those hives.
There are drawbacks to setting up the apiary in such a configuration. For instance, when bees drift into other hives, they could be carrying disease or pests with them. This is how other hives can become contaminated. Another issue is the beekeeper is breaking his/her back trying to work the hive. Reaching over from the back of the hive is not the best way to work. You can’t really see all sides of the hive working from the back. It’s too hard to reach over and loosen the frame then pull each one out for inspection then return the frame. There is an easier way to set up your apiary that will eliminate most of drifting and especially the back pain. I always set up my apiary either with two hives side by side or sometimes placing two more hives directly behind the first two. This creates a four-unit configuration. You will be able to stand on the side of each hive and work comfortably. When working any of the hives, you can set the hive parts on top of the next hive which eliminates most of the bending and in turn saves your back. Each hive configuration should be placed at least six feet apart.
This article was written by Dennis Brown, a veteran beekeeper from Bryan, Texas (U.S.A.), with over 50 years of beekeeping experience since beginning in 1964. At one time, he managed 250 hives, raised his own queens, and performed all the duties of a commercial beekeeper. Dennis adapted or completely discarded many traditional beekeeping management practices found in books. Throughout his years with bees, he never introduced chemicals into his hives. Years ago, he started a “Survival of the Fittest” program that eliminated the need for chemicals. Dennis was a very successful beekeeper and enjoyed every minute of it. While there is much more to share about his beekeeping journey than space allows, his books capture the many changes and insights he developed over his career.
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