How much does having beehives in my backyard cost?

It is free. You do not pay anything. We provide the hives, all the hardware, the bees, and the beekeeping service.

We offer this service to the following & surrounding suburbs in Victoria: Mill Park, South Morang, Doreen, Mernda, Bundoora, Thomastown, Heidelberg, Heidelberg West, Eltham, Preston, View Bank. Eaglemont, Eltham North, Greensborough, Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe East, Lower Plenty, Macleod, Montmorency, Rosanna, Watsonia, Watsonia North and Yallambie.

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Is it safe to have a hive in my backyard?
We work with a species of honeybee known for being extremely docile. Many of our hosts are shocked when they see how gentle bees are during our Host-a-Hive visits. Remember, bees die when they sting, so they generally only do so as a last resort when they feel threatened. We do everything we can to ensure a safe, fun experience during our visits. This includes reminding you and your guests to never swat at bees, keep a safe distance, and avoid using machinery such as lawnmowers too close to the hive.

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How much space do I need if I want to host a hive?
Not much at all! Ideally, a backyard hive should have at least 1 meter of space in front of its entrance. Think of this as a “runway” where bees can fly in and out without obstructions. The back of the hive should have about half a meter of space for the beekeeper to work comfortably.​

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I have children and/or pets—is it safe to have a hive?
Yes! As long as good beekeeping practices are followed, it is perfectly safe to host a hive with children and pets. The hive’s location is an important factor and should not be placed directly next to a dog kennel or children’s play structures. During our Host-a-Hive installation, we’ll demonstrate how to move safely around bees! Generally, bees will only sting in self-defense, so be kind and try not to step on them and you will be fine. We’ll also provide any necessary beekeeping safety equipment and gear if you or your kids would like to get up close and hands-on.

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What if I do not have a garden?
No worries! Honey bees will forage up to 5 km away from their hive. That said, we find many hosts become avid gardeners after signing up for our service. We’d be happy to share resources if you’re interested in planting more food for your bees. Your organic vegetable garden will show increased production and produce larger and more uniform fruits as a direct result of the honeybees' tireless work.

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Can I watch when my hive is being worked on?
Absolutely! We share our love of honey bees with others. During every visit, our beekeepers are there to take care of the colony and educate anyone interested in the hive's inner workings.

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How many bee hives could I host?

Between two to six hives. Depending on your location and the closest beekeeper we have in your area. 

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How much honey should I expect to receive from each hive?

The first year is for the colony to expand and store enough honey for itself. We do not harvest any honey during the first year. But from the second year onwards the colony is large and strong enough to make more honey than they need. It is called Honey Super. That is the honey that could be harvested without harming the bees. You could expect 5 kg of honey from each hive you host. If you host two hives, you will receive 10 kg of honey a year which is enough for a family of 4-5. If you host more beehives, you will have some extra honey to share with family and friends. ​

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Are there any other advantages of beekeeping bees in my backyard?

Yes, there are. Beehives are fascinating to watch and learn about. It is very relaxing to have a cup of tea while watching bees doing their bee stuff. It is enjoyable when you see bees flying into the hive while carrying pollen on their back legs. You would be able to guess which flower that particular bee was coming from by the color of the pollen. Watching how they keep their hive clean, how they guard the entrance, how they kick out bee rubbers, etc... 

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Bees play a critical role in our ecosystem and our food system but are facing more threats than ever before. By becoming a hive host you can help the bee population and the greater environment.

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Your flowers and fruit trees will thank you. And your neighbor’s flowers, too. Bring over 60,000 bees to your neighborhood increasing pollination in your community. did you know one-third of mankind’s food production is reliant upon these industrious little creatures?

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I have more questions!

Great, we’d love to answer them! Please fill out the form below or contact us at 0422866177 to submit your request for a property inspection. There’s no obligation no cost. We’d be happy to walk through any questions you may have.