Hive Stand

Off the Ground

Placing a beehive directly on the ground exposes the bottom board to ground moisture, promotes wood rot, invites ant colonies to set up residence underneath, and gives skunks easy access to scratch at the entrance and eat emerging bees. A hive stand solves all of these problems by creating separation between the hive and the ground surface.

Practical Benefits

Beyond pest and moisture management, a hive stand at 12 to 18 inches makes inspections dramatically easier on the beekeeper's body. Bending over a ground-level hive to lift 40 to 90-pound supers strains the back and makes inspections uncomfortable enough that beekeepers skip them, which leads to management problems. An elevated hive puts the working frames at a much more ergonomic height, especially for the critical lower brood boxes.

Stand Designs

The simplest stand is a pair of cinder blocks, which is cost-effective and functional. Wooden stands built from treated lumber offer a more professional appearance and can be sized to hold multiple hives side by side. Metal stands made from welded angle iron are the most durable and last decades. Purpose-built stands from beekeeping supply companies are available but often overpriced for what amounts to a simple platform.

In Florida, where fire ants are a constant concern, many beekeepers use stands with legs that sit in oil-filled containers, creating moats that ants cannot cross. This simple ant-proofing technique protects the colony from fire ant invasions that can overwhelm and kill a weak hive.