Keeping bees in loft of barn?

I am considering buying some property that is in a suburban area, although there is no homeowner’s association and thus no covenants to be followed.

I haven’t checked into the local ordinances but it’s considered Dorch county and not within city limits.

The houses are fairly close together, but the property has in the back yard a pretty sizeable two-story workshop (basically, a barn that has never seen livestock). Is about the size of a typical two car garage.

I have always wanted to learn about bee keeping, and I have no purpose for the loft of this barn at all. I’ve read around that this sort of thing has been done before. They would be kept dry, out of direct sunlight (although summer heat might require a circulation fan so the loft doesn’t bake them).

Anyone do this?



“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza

I think, however, I have just remembered that the number of azaleas in Summerville might make for some “mad honey”. Anyone comment on this? I’ve read that bees that pollinate a lot of azaleas produce honey that is hallucinogenic. Summerville would be the perfect place for a nasty surprise if this is true.



“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza

Never heard of that before. I have seen bees take up residence in the walls of homes and along the edge of roofs in peoples houses though. As long as there’s good air flow through it, it would probably work. Azaleas only bloom for a couple weeks, so I doubt you’d have problem with mad honey. Maybe mad bees, though.

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One of my co-workers is a bee keeper on the side. PM me your contact info and I will ask him to call you.

A bad day fishing is much better than a good day at work.

I have six bee hives,five have bees,one hive flew the coop. This was due to the lack of sunlight where I had placed the hive. The wax moths invaded and took over the hive even though I had done pest management. My advice is to find a location where there is partial shade. My bees seem to be more active in the sunlight rather than shade. I live in Dorch.Cty Reevesville bordered by Polk Swamp.