However, this is not the only factor involved. Bees out of sight are less often objects of worry and controversy. A good location is where they are in full sun the whole day. Bees in the shade tend to be more aggressive. The hives should be dry and the bottom boards should slope forward so that rain water can run out the front.
Hive stands help elevate the bees off the ground.
This makes it easier to keep the hives dry by letting air circulate under the bottom board. Placing the hives 4-6 inches off the ground also makes it less likely that weeds or grass will obstruct the entrance. Entrances Top entrances should probably be avoided in congested areas during the summer season. Whenever a hive with a top entrance is opened and hive bodies moved, hundreds of confused bees will be flying around because their entrance is gone. By providing a bottom entrance only, and working at the side or from behind the hive, the bees are not impeded from flying home even when all the upper boxes have been removed.