Beekeeping Supplies & Equipment- That You Need or Want
Getting started in beekeeping is not an inexpensive activity. The cost of everything needed for you and your bees adds up. Sorting out which types of beekeeping supplies & equipment you really need can make the task easier.
Buying equipment for your bees is not an inexpensive endeavor. Not only do the required items cost money, it can be difficult to know what to purchase.
The world of beekeeping involves a lot of opinions. Which type of hive is best for you? Do you need a full bee suit? What about smoker fuel?
The questions are many and you will receive many different answers.
From purchasing your beehive wooden ware, to choosing a hat and veil, you have a lot of decisions to make.
If your budget is tight, start with the basics. You can always buy more fun beekeeping gadgets next year.
Beekeeping Supplies & Equipment
If you want to become a beekeeper, you need some basic beekeeping supplies and equipment. There are many different kinds of equipment and tools to choose from. You don't need all of them.
These articles will help you choose the best beekeeping equipment for your bees and protective beekeeping clothing for yourself.
There are several different types of beehives in use. Which type of beehive is best for you? That depends on several factors including your location and beekeeping goals.
Learn the pros and cons of each beehive style and be ready to choose the right one for your apiary.
Would you like to build your own beehive? With a little woodworking skill and some good bee hive plans, building a beehive is possible.
It is important to find hive plans or instructions that are accurate and use the proper beehive measurements. Otherwise, you will have problems managing your bees due to misplaced comb.
A standard Langstroth hive has universal parts. There are many hive accessories you can purchase - but do you really need them?
Learn the basic parts of the Langstroth beehive and understand their function before your bees arrive.
In general, bees don't really care what color their hive is painted. Beekeepers do this in part to prolong the life of the wooden parts.
These tips will help you know how to paint a beehive - and choose the best paint for the job.
Many beekeepers use real beeswax foundation in their hive frames. If you do, then you will need to install the sheets of beeswax into your frames.
This process takes a bit of time but is easy to complete. Often bees prefer beeswax foundation over plastic.
The smoker is the #1 most important tool for a new beekeeper. The bee smoker is not designed to punish the bees or put them to sleep.
When used properly, the cool white smoke disrupts the alarms signals of guard bees. This allows us to work the hive with fewer bee deaths. Learn how to use your bee smoker correctly.
The bottom board of a Langstroth hive is the base of the structure. All the other boxes sit on the bottom board. Traditionally, the bottom board was a solid structure.
In more recent years, the use a screened bottom boards have become common. Which it the best type of bottom board for your beehive?
Should you buy used beekeeping equipment? It depends. It is important to keep in mind that a risk is involved. Equipment can spread disease.
The savings of cost may not be worth the risk. However, some items are more dangerous than others.
Beekeeper Protective Clothing
Every beekeeper needs some safety gear or beekeeper clothing. At a minimum, purchase a good beekeepers hat and veil. Do not put your eyesight at risk. Beyond the hat/veil combo, you may decide to use gloves, a full bee suit etc. That's fine - wear what makes you comfortable which inspecting your bees.
If you decide that a full beekeeping suit is right for you, now you have more decisions to make. Beekeeping suits come in many different styles, colors and quality grades.
Here are some tips to help you with your decision.
All beekeepers end up some some items that they will never use. These gadgets take the beekeeping world by storm. Many will be forgotten in the next few years.
However, basic hive components, protective wear and the old standard smoker and hive tool have stood the test of time. Choose one that appeals to you and your style of beekeeping.
Beekeeper Charlotte
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