Hives near traffic ?

[cheesegenie]

I have seen lots of bee yards near or close to regular two lane hiways and
country roads. But I can't seem to recall any near major hiways like 401
or 417 here in Eastern Ontario (four lane). Would the noise or speed, trucks,
etc. have any effect on the bees? I'm asking because I have a chance to put
some in an area like that, also would people try to vandalize?

[brac]

also would people try to vandalize?
Vandalism in Canada? Shirley you jest.

[SwedeBee1970]

Noise, I don't think is an issue.
Smell from diesel and exhaust fumes plus wind turbulence will have some affect depending how close to highway. Also, consider their flight path. Bug splat ?
Where are the pollen & nectar sources that are obvious around the highway ?
Winter time plowing and salt spreading could be a fatal issue if really close and within snow throwing distance.

Vandalizing may not be an issue if the hives blend into the woodwork. Camouflage them. Why advertise ?

[PCM]

I now have 2 hives within 350 ft. of I-44, bees haven't complained any at all.

Years ago had 26 hives, a 1/8 mile inline with the North East runway of Lambert Field, St. Louis when the McDonnell Demons fighters would kick in their afterburners you could actually feel the heat, the engine driven 4 engine freighters on take off would actually vibrate the ground. Didn't have any bee complaining then either.

We all worry too much these days !

Now I'm complaining, wish I was still back in those times. :cry:

PCM

[SwedeBee1970]

Just how close are we talking about here ? To the highway, that is.

[odfrank]

I have 48 hives right now within 100 feet of five lane highway 101. I probably lose a goodly amount of bees on windshields. Last week I was stuck in traffic in front of my place, and an undertaker bee flew right past my windshield with a corpse. When I pass over the nearby overpass I spot a few of my bees flying home. I pull over ton of honey out of there every year, so no complaints.

[cheesegenie]

I think for the most part they will be fine there from what you guys say. Likely a couple hundred feet away from the first lane, also up higher than the
traffic , so they shouldn't decorate too many windshield. Thanks for all the helpful advice.

[doc25]

The 401 shouldn't be a problem, isn't it a parking lot all day?;)
I am on a 2 lane highway and was worried about the same thing but I am much higher than it and doubt the flight path of my bees would endanger them. As mentioned earlier if they have to fly across the highway to eat then you might experience a higher mortality rate.