Frequently Asked Questions
Well, err, we don't have any FAQ yet. So send us your questions.
Meanwhile, we have invented some questions you might have. hopefully they are not too cheesey.
Meanwhile, we have invented some questions you might have. hopefully they are not too cheesey.
Buying versus Renting which is better?
If you rent the hive you get all the benefits in the garden, with least risk and as much surplus comb as they can produce, this is a good option for getting started with all the paperwork done for you. If you buy a hive, then you could still have everything done for you same as above, but they would be your bees, everything is yours. If you buy a hive you can source your own bees and you only need to have as much help as you want which can be zero if you know what to do or want to teach yourself. There is not one option that suits everyone and the best option will change if you want to get more or less involved. If you buy the hive and they all die, the costs can mount.
If I rent and later on decide I want my own are there any options to do this?
Yes! It is in fact a great idea to rent the bees for the first year and then if you start to get involved more with the bees and take part in inspections and so on, then you could be in a perfect position to buy the hive and bees at the end of the 12 month rental. We can even provide further on going support if you ever need it.
If I buy a SSB hive, but things change and I can no longer manage it, can I transfer the hive into a rental agreement?
Yes. We can go forwards or backward with a rental or management agreement any time.
I live too far away for a seaside bees rental hive, what are my options?
If you are a long way from here, we might be able to find an amenable beekeeper in your area, plus the country is covered with other hive rental companies, bee clubs and local associations. Facebook and various websites also abound. Call to discuss if you are between 25km and 50km away.
What if I move out of the area?
Our focus is very localised, but people move and life goes on. It is of course possible to move your bees with you or for us to take them back. We just need to work out the details with you and come to some mutual agreement that is best for all, including bees.
Most hives are square boxes, what the hell are these things?
Well, Langstroth hives were invented by an American Reverend Lorenzo Langstroth about 1850 ish. Our hives are top bar hives that were developed in the 1960's trying to seek a more natural hive and/or for cheap construction for countries without precision carpentry. But in fact 'long hives' of this basic type are said to have originated considerably earlier in Greece in the middle of the 12th century. It seems likely that they were invented and developed in isolation. The top bar hives we operate have some great features we think are more suited to urban situations in permanent year round apiaries. So long as the bees are doing well it hardly matters. There are a huge number of different hive designs worldwide, these are just a couple of them.
I'm renting is that ok?
Yes of course, but If you are renting your home, it is only fair to have your landlord fully informed and in agreement.
Insurance?
We ask that you and/or the owners have house and contents insurance for the property where the beehive is to be located and keep your insurer informed that they are there. It could save us all problems in the long run
Access to the bees.
Seaside Bees needs to have full access to the hive(s) 24/7; but will always do our best to give advance notice so you can also attend inspections. In bad weather routine inspections are delayed because inspections are best done in good weather.
What about disease?
In some extreme circumstances if a hive gets a serious disease (AFB) it is notifiable and the hive has to be exterminated and then burnt. We manage this and we will seek to replace that hive as soon as practical. This is traumatic, but rare. If something like this happens then we can work with you on a refund for time remaining if you wish, or work around this with another hive.
Emergency response?
If anything causes alarm, please let us know, we will address any concerns asap. In autumn wasps may attack the bees or commercial bees may be moved into the area for wintering and they may also try to rob honey stores. In such cases we need to move promptly to help them defend the hive, normally by reducing the number of entrances for them to defend or temporarily moving the colony out of the area. We need to work as a team to look after the bees as best we can.