Beekeeping Equipment
When starting your beekeeping journey, you need more than bees and box to put them in. It is also necessary to have some beekeeping equipment, tools and supplies. This helps you take care of your bees and offers protection for yourself too. This guide covers everything you need to get off to a great start and a few tips for the future.
Over the years, I have helped thousands of folks get started in beekeeping. Therefore, I have a very good idea of the most important beekeeper tools needed. You can add more fun stuff later – the beginning is about the basics.
Importance of Proper Beekeeping Equipment
There are several advantages to starting out with the proper tools and equipment for beekeeping. Your major task – beehive management-is easier and well cared for colonies are more likely to be healthy and productive.
Now, I am assuming that you have already made plans for ordering or buying bees, this is usually done months ahead of delivery (perhaps during the Winter months).
No matter the which type of honey bee you choose, they all have the same basic needs. Congratulations, you have done the easy part – now it is time to get ready to take care of your hive.
Equipment for Hive Set Up
For each family of bees you need one complete beehive setup. The Langstroth hive consists of stacked boxes (also called supers) – it is the most common hive for beginners.
This is the startup configuration for your new hive:
- bottom board
- deep hive box – brood box (with frames and foundation inside)
- inner cover
- top
As the colony grows you will add more boxes for the bees and someday for a honey harvest for you. Learn the basic parts of the beehive before your bees arrive.
Some type of equipment are optional. For instance, a slatted rack for beehives is useful for beekeepers in hot regions but not everyone uses them. You need to know what things are called.
When you want to ask other beekeepers for advice, things will go much easier if you know the names of your equipment. What one beekeeper calls a “doohicky” might be a “thing a ma bob” to someone else.
Other Options
You don’t have to use a Langstroth hive. There are several different types of beehives in use in the United States. Which is best for you depends on several factors including your location and beekeeping goals.
Will you venture into the new styles (such as the Flow Hive) or stick to more traditional designs. The choice is yours but using a standard hive is easier for new beekeepers.
If you are interested in building a beehive for yourself, you can do so with some good hive plans-that you follow closely.
Tools for Managing the Hive
The art of keeping bees has been around for thousands of years. Those early beekeepers (some are famous beekeepers) likely did not have fancy tools. But, I can’t image being a beekeeper without these two:
- bee smoker
- hive tool
- bee brush
Bee Smoker & Fuel
The bee smoker is the #1 tool that every beekeeper needs. When used properly, the cool, white smoke makes hive inspections easier for you and the bees. Smoke affects honey bees in a calming way – it is not cruel if you learn how to do it correctly.
You also need fuel for the smoker that will not hurt your bees. Be sure to research the various types of smoker fuel.
Its a good idea to experiment with various types of material to burn ( I love dry pine needles). Once you find the best one for you, lighting your bee smoker becomes much easier.
Yearly cleaning of your bee smoker will keep it functioning well for years.
Hive Tools
This is one of the most useful items you will ever take to the bee yard. A good hive tool – or 3, you will lose them. This versatile hand-help tool is a metal bar with a hooked or curved end.
The hive tool is used to frame apart boxes and remove frames from the hive boxes. They come in a variety of styles and every beekeeper has a favorite.
Bee Brush
A bee brush is considered an optional item, yet I never go to the bee yard without one. This soft bristle brush is used to gently flick the bees off frames of honey. It really ticks them off – but sometimes it is for their own good.
Protective Wear
Beekeeping safety should always be at the front of your mind. You are managing a box full of thousands of insects with the capacity to sting. Give proper consideration when choosing beekeeping clothing and protective wear.
- hat/veil
- beekeeping suit/jacket
Perhaps you will use a light-colored long sleeve shirt and pants, but you still need a hat/veil combo. They come in many styles and price points. Protect your face!
A good beekeeping suit gives more coverage with long sleeves, legs and a combined hat and veil. Likewise, beekeeping jackets are a popular option when paired with jeans or cotton scrubs (loose fitting).
Inexpensive items are fine as long as they work. More expensive quality item last longer. Periodically wash your beekeeping suit to prolong its life. Bees are not fond of stinky beekeepers.
Feeding and Monitoring Equipment
While perhaps not considered a piece of beekeeping equipment, I consider some type of honey bee feeder to be a must have.
Feeding helps new colonies get off to a great start. And, there will come a time when you want to feed or provide sugar water for your bees in established hives.
You have a lot of options – the simple bee feeder with a mason jar that you can make and other options that hold more liquid.
Don’t forget to consider health and pest control for your bees. You will need to learn how to do varroa mite testing to monitor infestations. And, in some areas you might need items such as traps for Small Hive Beetles.
Equipment for Honey Harvesting
If you have the money, there is no harm in buying beekeeping harvest equipment in the beginning. However, your first harvest may well be in the second year.
You have plenty of time to choose a honey extractor and you may even rent one from a local beekeeping association.
Some pieces of beekeeping equipment involve controversy. For example, the queen excluder is a grid made of metal (or plastic). It is placed on the hive to prevent the queen from laying in the collection boxes.
Some beekeepers swear by them and others swear at them. I generally do use them but it is your choice not a requirement.
Optional Equipment
Beekeeping has a lot of gadgets to try. Some are very useful and others only appeal to some beekeepers.
It usually best to avoid used beekeeping equipment unless you know a great deal about its history. Disease can live in these items for years.
Hive Stands
Using hive stands in your apiary to elevate the hives off the ground protects them from skunks other small honey bee predators. Your back will thank you too-due to not having to bend down so far.
Whether you use a stand or not, you should consider what to put under the beehives. This might be weed block, gravel, pavers or other materials.
It is more than a visual issue. Avoid the use of heavy mulch if you live in an area with Small Hive Beetles.
Entrance Reducers
Entrance reducers can be purchased wooden or plastic pieces – or you can use a few rocks! No kidding, I do sometimes.
The purpose of the reducer is to make hive entrance smaller. There are several reasons to do so – including making the entrance smaller for a new colony to defend.
Likewise, entrance reducers or metal mouse guards are useful pieces of beekeeping equipment for beekeepers living in northern regions of the country.
Are Beekeeping Kits a Good Idea?
There is no harm in striving to reduce the cost of beekeeping start up. What about beekeeping starter kits that contain everything you need?
Some are a great way to save money – others contain silly impractical items just to make it look like a better deal. If you are considering buying a beekeeper’s kit, look over the included pieces closely.
FAQs
To start beekeeping, you’ll need essential equipment such as a beehive (with boxes and frames), a hive tool, a smoker, a bee suit or protective clothing, and a bee brush. These items will help you manage your bees safely and effectively.
Yes, you can use second-hand beekeeping equipment, but their is a risk of spreading diseases to your bees and other hives. When buying used equipment, it’s advisable to purchase from reputable sources or other beekeepers you trust.
To store beekeeping equipment during the off-season, clean and dry all tools – protective clothing should be protected from mice. Storage of honey supers with comb requires more work to prevent damage.
A Final Word
We all end up with some beekeeping equipment that we will never use. These gadgets and new products take the beekeeping industry by storm from time to time. If your budget is tight, start with the basics. You can always buy more fun gadgets next year.