Important steps before you install that hive and invite bees

Before you order or build your first hive and invite any bees to move in, check that you have the space, time, money and other resources necessary for your new hobby.
I will share the knowledge I’ve gathered about every aspect of beekeeping but much will depend on your personal circumstances and other commitments, local regulations and your neighbors.

Cost

You need enough money to set up your hives, gather the equipment needed and buy your bees long before you will see any return at all from the first couple of hives.
You can sometimes get used equipment at a lower cost but you must be careful that
every precaution has been taken to ensure that it does not carry any defects or residue of any disease which could affect your bees.

The best advice is to buy new equipment and to pay a bit extra for better quality gear that you can be confident will require minimum maintenance and last longer.
You need to work out for yourself what it is worth to you to reduce the time and stress that can result from buying out of the bargain bin, especially when you are still learning your way around.

Space

You need enough space to locate each hive with at least a few feet clear of obstructions. You should allow at least three feet between hives. You also need easy access to the area where you put your hives. You will need to remove, repair or replace parts of the hive, bring in your equipment and take out the honey and other produce as well as damaged hive sections.

Keep some distance between the hives and any public paths or roads. This reduces the chance of bees upsetting passers-by or the public interfering with your bees.
Planting a hedge or placing some fencing about 6 feet high between the hives and any public area will reduce the possibility of conflict. It’s no problem for the bees which are naturally inclined to circle upward as they leave the hive so that they can map their surroundings for the return journey when they will, usually, be carrying a valuable load.

Food, Water etc.

Bees can travel miles to get the food they need but the shorter the distance they need to cover, the less risk that they do not return and the greater chance of a bumper harvest from happier, stronger bees.
A reliable, year-round source of water is also essential. It should not be something like a pool or a bucket under a dribbling tap which the bees would have to share with other creatures, human or animal.
The water should be at least a few feet from the hive so that the bees can relieve
themselves on the way. Bees do not foul their hives and you don’t want them fouling
their water supply. Make sure that there is something, like twigs or small pieces of plastic foam, floating in the water where they can stand while they drink. Bees don’t swim – they can drown!

Pets and Other Domestic Creatures

My cat has never had a problem with my bees and most cats will probably be too smart to get stung. Dogs, generally, are more inquisitive, even aggressive and there is probably more risk of a painful confrontation. Keep the dog away from the area where the bees are travelling and drinking or make sure it is closely supervised by an adult or responsible older child.
Larger animals, like cattle and horses, are more likely to harm your bees and the hive
than suffer any major damage themselves. Don’t risk it!

Wild Animals

From bugs to mice and on up to bears, they’re all likely to have a negative effect on your bees and your returns. Keep them away by whatever legal means you can.
Avoid poison, if for no other reason than it could hurt you, your honey and your bees as well.

Climate

Bees can live almost anywhere where there is enough vegetation to provide the raw
materials for their comb building and honey production.
But, you should avoid intense sunlight or dark areas where they would have to work too hard to moderate the temperature inside the hive.

Under a shady tree might be a good location but keep a reasonable distance from the tree trunk and branches.

If your area gets frost or snow, you will need to protect the hives during the cold months. You might wrap the hives while leaving the entrance area clear.
You will also have to ensure that there is no snow or condensation inside the top of the hive. As the frost melts, the cold water could drop on and kill your bees. That could have a serious effect on the health and productivity of the hives.

Don’t put the entrance in the path of the prevailing wind. Hilltops and the bottom of depressions expose your hives to cold weather and the risk of damp seriously affecting the internal parts of the hive and, of course, the health of the whole colony.
If the hive receives sunlight early in the morning, that encourages the bees to start their work sooner.

Rules and Regulations

Before you start beekeeping, you must check all county or district restrictions. Some
counties require beekeepers to register apiary locations with the county agricultural
commissioner.
You need to pay appropriate fees.

Neighbors

You should also consider any possible allergic reactions to your family or neighbors due to beekeeping. Consider possible oppositions before you start beekeeping.
Much of the opposition which I’ve heard about has been fuelled by media reports of
“killer bees” which are mostly hype. But, there are a small number of people who can have a serious reaction to even one bee sting.

The other downside of bees is their droppings can damage a car’s exterior and, of
course, put spots on the vehicle. This is not usually a major factor – birds drop more
mess and nobody bans them.

You can also reduce the possibility by putting fencing or tall plants, about six feet high, a few feet in front of the hive entrance to encourage the foragers to fly higher soon after leaving the hive and to stay high on their return flights