Hive is best raised off the ground to protect them from various predators. Often old tyres are used as ‘hive stands’. However, the higher a hive is raised, the easier it is for the beekeeper to work with. ‘Living hive stands’ can be very good: this is where the supporting timber takes root and eventually provides a non-rotting stand, providing shade and a good environment for the bees. If wooden stands are used, then in many countries it is essential for the base to stand in a container of oil or water, to prevent ants from entering the hive.
In east Africa, honey badgers are a serious predator of bee colonies, and they can be deterred by hanging fixed comb hives, or top-bar hives from wires: