Whether you’re picking up a new package of bees or relocating an entire hive, transporting bees over a long distance can seem intimidating at first. The idea of moving a hive full of buzzing bees in a car might sound like a recipe for disaster, but with the right preparation and precautions, it’s entirely possible to do so safely and efficiently.
Without proper planning, however, transporting bees can be stressful for both the bees and the beekeeper. From keeping the bees calm during transit to ensuring they don’t become overheated or stressed, there are several factors to consider. Fortunately, with a few simple guidelines and safety measures, you can move your bees without worry.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the best practices for transporting bees over long distances, ensuring their safety—and yours—along the way.
Before Transport
1. Close All Holes
Before placing the hive in your vehicle, thoroughly inspect it for any ventilation holes. You’ll want to make sure there are no gaps where the bees can escape during the drive. Use mesh or tulle fabric to cover the holes, ensuring that there’s still airflow to the hive, but no chance for bees to get out. Avoid using tape alone, as it can restrict airflow and potentially suffocate the bees.
2. Close the Entrance(s)
Once the ventilation holes are covered, you’ll also need to reduce the size of the hive entrance to prevent bees from flying out during transport. Use an entrance reducer to narrow the opening, and be sure to wait until sundown before sealing the entrance to ensure that all foraging bees have returned to the hive. If you’re unable to wait until sunset, you can block the entrance early in the morning before the foragers leave. If you don’t have an entrance reducer, a piece of wood or hardware cloth stapled over the entrance will do the job.
3. Use a Smoker
A little smoke can go a long way in calming the bees and reducing the chances of aggression during transport. If you’re transporting an active hive, gently puff a little smoke around the entrance and the interior of the hive to help soothe the bees. This step is particularly useful if you’re moving a colony with a large number of foragers or if you’re dealing with a particularly feisty hive.
4. Get Lots of Duct Tape
High-quality duct tape is essential to ensure that every entrance and ventilation hole is sealed tightly. Bees are surprisingly adept at finding even the smallest gaps, so use several layers of tape to cover any seams or cracks on the hive box. Be thorough, especially around the lid, corners, and entrance.
5. Inspect Crates When Picking Up Purchased Bees
If you’re purchasing bees, they will likely arrive in a secure crate. Before placing the crate in your car, carefully inspect it for any gaps, cracks, or holes where bees could escape during transport. Bring duct tape with you to secure any weak spots or seams. It’s better to be overly cautious than risk a few bees escaping and causing a distraction while you’re on the road.
6. Use Tulle Fabric for Extra Protection
For an added layer of protection, many beekeepers wrap the bee crates or packages in tulle fabric. This provides extra security while allowing the bees to breathe. Tulle fabric can be found at most fabric stores, and it’s lightweight, breathable, and strong enough to keep the bees contained. Alternatively, you can place the bee container in a large, mesh laundry bag for similar results.
7. Wait for Warm Weather
The best time to transport bees is during warm weather, preferably in the spring or early summer. Bees are more active during these warmer months and less likely to cluster tightly in cold conditions. Transporting bees in cold weather can be risky because they might fall out of the cluster and be unable to return to the colony, leading to potential harm or death. Avoid moving bees during winter months or on chilly days when temperatures are below 50°F (10°C).
8. Talk to Your Local Beekeeping Club
If you’re uncertain about any aspect of transporting bees, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local beekeeping community. Experienced beekeepers are often willing to share tips and advice, and you may even find someone who can help you prepare the hive for transport. Their firsthand knowledge can help make the process smoother, and they can offer useful suggestions based on local conditions.
During Transport
1. Get a Truck
When transporting an aggressive or large hive, a truck is the ideal option. It offers better ventilation for the colony, reducing the chances of overheating. Additionally, having the bees in the back of a truck provides a physical barrier between you and the hive, which can be particularly helpful if you’re dealing with an especially defensive colony. If you don’t own a truck, consider asking a friend to borrow theirs or renting one for the transport.
2. Avoid the Trunk
It might be tempting to place the hive in your trunk because it separates you from the bees, but this is not a safe option. Trunks don’t have proper ventilation, which can lead to overheating. Overheated bees are stressed and may become aggressive. Even with the best precautions to seal the hive, you should never place it in an enclosed, unventilated space. Keep the hive inside the cabin of the car, ideally in the back seat, where there’s ample airflow.
3. Ventilation Is Key
Proper ventilation is critical during transport, especially in warm weather. Ensure that your car windows are open or that the air conditioning is on. A well-ventilated vehicle helps to keep the bees cool and calm, which is essential for a safe journey. If you’re driving in hot conditions, consider making periodic stops to mist the bees with water or sugar-water to help keep them cool.
4. Drive Slowly
While it may be tempting to speed along highways, it’s a good idea to drive at a slower speed. High speeds can create turbulence that agitates the bees, and if you’re transporting a heavy or large hive, it could shift in the car. Driving at slower speeds also helps to ensure the safety of both you and your bees. If possible, avoid sharp turns or sudden stops that could jolt the hive.
5. Travel Alone
Transporting bees is not the ideal family road trip activity! If possible, keep the number of passengers in the car to a minimum, especially if they are not beekeepers. Extra people can make the atmosphere tense and nervous, and their anxiety may be transferred to the bees, causing them to become more defensive. A calm and quiet environment inside the car will help keep the bees relaxed during the journey.
6. Secure the Hive
Once your bees are inside the car, secure the hive to prevent it from shifting during transit. If the hive is large enough, you can strap it in with the seatbelt. For smaller hives or packages, place them securely on the floor of the backseat. You can also use ratchet straps to stabilize the hive, securing it from all sides so it doesn’t slide around as you drive.
7. Don’t Panic If You See a Few Bees Flying
Even after taking every precaution, it’s possible that a few bees might escape and fly around inside your car. Don’t panic! Bees are instinctively attracted to light and will often head for the windows rather than focus on you. As long as you remain calm, the bees are unlikely to become aggressive. It’s a good idea to avoid swatting at them; simply focus on driving safely and getting to your destination.
8. Mist the Bees to Keep Them Cool
If you’re transporting a package of bees or a particularly active colony, bring a spray bottle filled with water or a sugar-water mixture. Lightly mist the bees through the mesh portion of the crate or hive. This helps keep the bees cool and calm. Be sure not to drench them, as excessive moisture can stress the bees or create a mess. A light misting will suffice to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the hive.
9. Limit Long Stops
While it’s important to make sure your bees are well cared for, this is not the time for long pit stops. Avoid running errands, grabbing lunch, or making unnecessary detours. If you need to stop for a break, try to do it quickly and efficiently. The longer the bees are exposed to disruptions, the more stress they’ll experience. Only stop to inspect or cool them down when absolutely necessary.
10. Bring a Beekeeping Suit
Even if you’re not planning on inspecting your bees during the transport, it’s a good idea to bring a beekeeping suit or jacket just in case you need to handle the hive. While it’s not advisable to wear the full suit while driving, having it handy can give you a sense of security if you need to make an emergency stop or inspect the bees. A beekeeping jacket, which is lighter than a full suit, can also be a good choice for driving if you’re looking for more comfort.
11. Emergency Stops
In the event of an emergency, such as a flat tire or other unexpected situation, don’t leave the bees in the car. Once you’ve pulled over to a safe location, take the hive outside and place it in a shaded area. Give the bees some fresh air and better ventilation while you handle the emergency. Bees are sensitive to temperature and airflow, so providing them with adequate ventilation during an extended stop is essential for their well-being.
Help Your Bees Re-Orient
When transporting bees less than 3 miles from their original hive location, there is a strong chance that the forager bees will attempt to return to their previous site. This is because bees have an innate homing ability and will often fly back to the area where they were originally raised. If they return to the old location and can’t find their colony, they may get lost or even join a nearby colony. This can lead to a significant loss of bees. Fortunately, there are effective methods to help your bees reorient to their new location and minimize the risk of losing them.
1. Leave the Bees in the Hive for 72 Hours (Sequestration)
One of the best strategies for reorienting your bees is to keep them inside the hive for at least 72 hours after moving them. This process is called sequestration. During this time, the bees will become accustomed to their new surroundings and will begin to recognize the new location as their home. The act of being confined inside the hive signals to the bees that something has changed, prompting them to adjust to the new environment.
However, it’s important to ensure that the bees are not overheating during this period, so make sure the hive is properly ventilated. Sequestration is less effective in hot weather, as the bees could become stressed or even die from the heat. If you are moving the hive during a particularly hot period, consider moving the hive in the evening when temperatures are cooler, and provide additional ventilation during sequestration.
2. Place an Object in Front of the Hive Entrance
Another helpful strategy is to place an object in front of the hive entrance. This makes the view from the hive unfamiliar, which forces the bees to reorient themselves. When they exit the hive, they will not recognize their old surroundings, which prevents them from trying to return to the previous location.
Common objects used for this purpose include:
- Sticks or branches
- Leaves or grasses
- A rock or piece of wood
This strategy helps disrupt the bees’ navigation process, making it more likely that they will adjust to their new home rather than attempting to fly back to the old site.
Final Thoughts
Transporting bees a long distance in a car doesn’t have to be an intimidating task if you take the proper precautions. By carefully preparing your bees for the move and ensuring their safety and comfort during the journey, you can make the process smooth and stress-free for both you and your bees.
Here are some key takeaways:
Ventilation is Crucial: Always ensure that your bees have proper airflow during transport. Keep windows open or use air conditioning to maintain a cool, comfortable environment for the bees. Never transport them in a trunk, as it lacks sufficient ventilation.
Secure the Hive: Make sure the hive is firmly secured in the car to prevent it from shifting or rolling during transit. Use duct tape to close any gaps or seams to ensure the bees remain safely inside.
Keep the Bees Cool and Calm: Plan to make a few brief stops during the journey to spray the bees with a mist of water or sugar-water mix. This not only helps keep the bees cool but also calms them during the trip.
Help Them Reorient: Once you arrive at your destination, take steps to help the bees adjust to their new location. Sequestering the hive for 72 hours and placing an object in front of the entrance will encourage them to reorient and prevent them from flying back to their old location.
By following these steps, you can transport your bees safely and ensure that they thrive at their new hive location. With a little planning and care, the journey will be a success for both you and your bees.
