You should keep the apiary relatively clean, trimmed and free of debris. If the apiary is your back yard, you will probably do this anyway. Here in the country it takes a little more effort, but it's well worth it.
Clearing brush and limbs gives the bees a clear flight path, and it gives you an open area when you are working the hives, both for your feet and your head. Cutting the weeds makes the apiary more attractive, reduces the possibility of ant problems, and makes it easier for you to get around. Cleaning up wood pieces minimizes the possibility of termites getting into the hive woodenware and keeps you from tripping on the wood when you are around the hives. Trimming hanging branches gives the bees a clear flight path and makes your job easier when you are working. And finally, a clean apiary is an attractive one, which you can proudly show off to friends and family. So keep it nice and tidy.
Here you see me wearing a full bee suit with gloves to trim the weeds. Depending on the temperament of the honeybee strain, such as Italian as in this apiary, you may not need to take such precautions. I am wearing the suit to demonstrate conservative, safe behavior that applies to all honeybee strains. If you have selected a gentler honeybee strain, dressing to this extent is almost never necessary.
Regardless, follow proper apiary etiquette to ensure that the bees are not disturbed while you are trimming, causing them to fly out to defend their homes! At a minimum, always wear long pants, a long-sleeved white shirt buttoned at the collar and sleeves, and light-colored shoes. Wear a cap if your hair is longer than an inch. You'll be warmer than if you wear shorts and a tee shirt, but you'll be safer.
If the bees act agitated and start flying at you or around you quickly, stop your work immediately and leave the apiary until they are calmer. In extreme situations, smoke the hives first and wear a full bee suit. If these steps are necessary however, you should consider requeening your colonies with a gentler strain. You should also perform regular apiary inspections to determine whether the hives are being disturbed, and you should open the hives only when necessary. Opening the hives too often causes the bees to become more defensive and aggressive over time.
Tip: if you have a weed trimmer, as shown here, use it to mow the apiary instead of a mower. Honeybees react less to high-frequency sound than they will to the low-pitch, higher-energy sounds of a mower engine.
Basic Beekeeping Equipment
Periodic Apiary Inspections
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