Essential Beekeeping Equipment for Your Bees

What Equipment do You Need for Beekeeping?

Getting started in beekeeping is not an inexpensive activity. You need things for the bees and you need things for the beekeeper. There are thousands of beekeeping products available to purchase. Sorting out which types of beekeeping supplies & equipment you really need can me quite a chore. Luckily you do not have to buy everything on the market when you first get started with bees. Let’s sift through the wants and needs of beekeeping equipment.

Buying equipment for your bees will most likely set you back a few hundred dollars the first year. Not only do the required items cost money, it can be difficult to know what to purchase.

And, equipment for the bees is not the only thing you will need to acquire. Aside from the first investment, managing honey bees will result in purchasing additional beekeeping supplies as your hives grow in number and strength.

Add to this the fact that the world of beekeeping involves a lot of opinions- now you have some decisions to make. There is not always just 1 answer to a question.

Equipment Needed for Keeping Bees

If your budget is tight, start with the basics. You can always buy more fun beekeeping gadgets next year. But, your bees must have somewhere to live when they arrive – don’t delay!

Decide which style of hive you want to use (most beginners choose a Langstroth hive). If you are considering buying a beekeepers kit, look over the pieces closely…. sometimes you get things you don’t really need.

Which Hives are Best for New Beekeepers?

There are several different types of beehives in use. How do you choose the best type of hive for your bees? That depends on several factors including your location and beekeeping goals. Each kind of hive has advantage and challenges.

To get the most out of your beekeeping experience, you need to know your equipment. Learn the basic parts of the Langstroth beehive and understand their function before your bees arrive.

When you want to ask other beekeepers for advice, things will go much easier if you understand the parts of a beehive.

The bottom board of a Langstroth hive is the base of the structure. Bottom boards can in several styles both with and without trays on the bottom. The most common ones are solid or screened. Which is the best type of bottom board for your beehive?

Some of types of beekeeping equipment are the subject of controversy. Do you need to use them on your hives? A simple example is the Queen Excluder. Beekeepers tend to have strong opinions on their use – Should you use a queen excluder on your hive?

New beekeepers are tempted to attempt to save money by purchasing used equipment? Is it a good idea? It depends, and there are risks involved – Should you buy used beekeeping equipment?

Can You Build Your Own Beehives

Would you like to build your own beehive? With a little woodworking skill and some good bee hive plans, building a beehive is possible. But be sure to follow the directions carefully or you won’t be a happy beekeeper.

But before you rush off to the store to buy wood for this special project, take some time to evaluate your reasons for wanting to build your own bee boxes!

Review the important aspects of hive construction. Learn how to build a beehive of your own without getting into big trouble.

Getting Your Beehives Ready for Bees

Bees don’t really care what color their hive is painted. Beekeepers paint hives to prolong the life of the wooden parts. Here are some tips to help you know how to paint a beehive.

Perhaps you want to have a spectacular painted bee hive but lack a lot of artistic talent? This will help you achieve your goals of a colorful bee hive design. Creative painted bee hive ideas for non artist beekeepers.

Many beekeepers use real beeswax foundation in their hive frames. Though some folks like plastic foundation and that has its benefits too. If you need to replace some wax, join me as I install beeswax foundation into my frames.

Equipment and Tools for the Beekeeper

The bee smoker is the #1 tool for a new beekeeper. When used properly, the cool white smoke makes hive inspections easier for you and the bees. – Bee Smoker .

Once you have chosen a good smoker it’s time to think about fuel. Yes, you something to burn in there that will not hurt your bees. Be sure to research the various types of smoker fuel that as easy to use and bee friendly.

Every beekeeper needs some safety gear or beekeeper clothing. There are many options to choose from. Here are the facts you need to know about choosing beekeeping clothing and protective wear .

Ok, maybe you just want a good beekeeping suit. Beekeeping suits come in many different styles, colors and quality grades. Here are some tips to help you find the very best – beekeeping suit.

Storing Bee Equipment in Winter

A beekeeper accumulates many pieces of beekeeping equipment. Some of your boxes will not be on the hive during Winter.

Those boxes or supers containing drawn comb need special attention to prevent damage during storage. Read- How to store honey supers during winter.

Of course it is not just your honey supers that you must have room to store. Other various pieces of supplies and equipment must have a place to be when not in use. Where can you store beekeeping equipment.

Protecting Your Bee Hives from Predators

As you plan to set up your hives, you must consider protection. Beehives are valuable and people will steal them. If theft is a concern, place hives where they can be watched or are difficult to access.

In addition, if you live in a region that has bear – build an electric bear fence. Most beekeeper has no idea they have a bear problem until one destroys their hives.

Final Thoughts on Beekeeping Supplies and Equipment

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