This involves the use of regular patterns where hives entrances face different directions to avoid drifting.
Colors - use of different colors at the entrances enable the bees to have easy orientation. Common colours are yellow, blue and green.
Land marks - These are mainly permanent land features for easy orientation and assist bees to avoid drifting e.g. hedges, big trees, open area in the forest etc.
Several patterns can be adopted depending on the landscape and size of the land, No. of hives and No. of posts.
Single Pattern
Hive is hung between two posts about one meter from the ground. It uses a lot of posts and space hence un- economical. Good for bee beginners.
Line Pattern
- Hives are hung in a line if many. Good for narrow strips of land.
Hives in a Line Pattern
T - Pattern
- Hives are hung to form T - Shaped pattern, sharing the posts.
T-Pattern
Cross-Pattern
- One post at the center being shared by 4 hives. It saves posts and land. Note entrances should face outwards.
Kenya Top Bar Hives Hung in a Cross Pattern
Zig-Zag Pattern
- Hives are hung in a “Zig-Zag” pattern. The entrances should also face outwards.
Zigzag Pattern
Platform (bench)
- Hives can also be placed on a bench.
Hives can also be hung on trees, folk like shape.
- This method is suitable or applicable in Game Reserves/National Parks.
Goal Post Patterns.
