Beekeeping Hive Height

Buying beekeeping supplies can be confusing. To help you make a wise choice when selecting your beekeeping equipment, here is an example of our online beekeeping lesson one: "But before we place our bottom board, we have to consider location, the direction the hive faces and how much to elevate the hive off the moist ground. I like to use wood pallets that I can obtain free from local factories. Usually one pallet is enough, but sometimes I'll place two pallets on top of each other to elevate the hive around 5-6" off the ground. Then, I place my bottom board on the pallet. Pallets work well, but so do concrete blocks or any structure that will elevate the hive off the ground. You want the hive elevated for two reasons. Your back! and moisture. Bottom boards do draw moisture and so will be the first item to deteriorate over time. So, the drier they stay the longer they will last. Plus, it also means less moisture in the hive.