When considering a suitable location for a hive…
Avoid placing it near to a washing line. The bees defacate when they leave the hive and will stain any washing!
Also consider your neighbours. They may have small children, pets of have allergies.
Tips for Summer
Dealing with more defensive bees
During the June gap your bees may become less happy because of lack of plants available with pollen.
One solution is to use a quilt or manipulation cloth. This is placed over the open box and simply moved to one side to inspect just a few frames at a time. It prevents the bees on the remaining frames becoming too agitated.
Below is a home made quilt/manipulation cloth.
Step 1
Add smoke to calm the bees.
Step 2
Cover the box with the quilt laid centrally. The wooden supports weigh the cloth down and stop the wind lifting the edges.
Next expose the first few frames, add more smoke if needed and inspect. The wooden bars keep the edges straight and parallel with the frames.
Gradually expose more frames.
When you have reached the half way mark, move the quilt over to the other side.
The quilt/manipulation cloth can be washed by removing the wooden supports.
Some commercial quilts/manipulation cloths are made in two halves with an access slot in between. In the centre is a rectangular metal frame and the cloth edges are held in place with velcro which enables easy removal for washing.