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How to find property or land to put bees on. #924971

Asked February 23, 2026, 8:33 PM EST

Years ago someone approached me about putting bees in their yard. The location was in the country with lots of 5 to 15 acers. Two hives became 3, 4, 5, and more. The home owners informed me they have accepted a new position and will be selling the house and moving. If the new home owners do not want me to keep the bees on their property, how do I find another property owner will to allow me to put hives on their property? I live in an urban subdivision and already have 2 hives in my own yard. My other apiaries are also urban and only 2 to 3 hives so I can't absorb the larger apiary into the others. I've never had to find a new apiary before and none of my books talk about how to do it. Thanks.

Ingham County Michigan

Expert Response

Good question! 

People occasionally reach out to MSU to ask how they can find someone to put hives on their property, and I always suggest they contact local beekeeping clubs. I suggest reaching out to local Michigan beekeeping clubs (perhaps a few of them that are relatively close to you) to ask if they know of anyone looking for a beekeeper to put hives on their land.

I also recommend asking members at your local beekeeping club about apiary locations, since other beekeepers may have ideas. 

There is also a possibility that someone who is learning about beekeeping but not ready or able to buy bees would like to have another beekeeper place hives on their property and learn from/with them.

Otherwise, finding yard locations seems to sometimes come down to personal contacts and luck.

Happy beekeeping!

Ana HeckApiculture Extension EducatorMichigan State University Extension Replied February 24, 2026, 10:08 AM EST

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