Are you interested in starting a backyard apiary? If so, there are a few basic pieces of equipment and supplies that you will need. In this blog post, we will review the must-have items for keeping bees. By the end of this read, you should have a good understanding of what is needed to get started with beekeeping. Let’s get started!
Bee hive – this is where the bees will live
Beekeeping is an activity enjoyed by both experienced beekeepers and beginner beekeepers alike. The beehive is the core of beekeeping supplies and it is the most important item a beekeeper needs.
By providing a place for the bees to live and store their honey, beehives provide beginner beekeepers with not only the home their bees need, but also a secure environment to encourage bee colonies to thrive in. Experienced beekeepers know that without the right supplies and equipment, bee hives can be hard to manage – but with the right items, any beekeeper can create an inviting home for their bees in no time!
Bee smoker – used to calm the bees when working with them
For beekeepers, a bee smoker is an indispensable piece of beekeeping equipment. Though often overlooked by beginner beekeepers, it can be the difference between a successful beekeeping project and a bee-related disaster. The bee smoker works by emitting smoke which calms the bees, allowing beekeepers to work without being stung. All beekeeping supplies stores will have bee smokers available, so no beekeeper should leave home without one!
Protective gear – including a bee suit, gloves, and veil
For the beginner beekeeper, looking into beekeeping supplies can be overwhelming; there are many items to consider beyond boxes and frames. For maximum protection from bee stings, beekeepers should invest in a beekeeper suit, gloves, proper footwear, and veil.
A bee suit covers the head to toe with a zipper for easy removal after beekeeping is complete. Protective gloves come in flexible leather or tough canvas and are designed to help prevent bee stings but also allow for dexterity for dealing with the hives.
Additionally, an important piece of beekeeper’s gear is the bee veil which protects the face and neck from bee stings. When combined, these protective items will be sure to keep beekeepers safe while they tend to their hives.
Hive tool – used for opening and closing the hive
The hive tool is an essential beekeeping supply for any beekeeper, whether they are just beginning beekeeping or have been beekeeping for years. This tool is mainly used to pry apart frames and open up the hive. It can be used to move bee frames away from the edges of the hive body, to scrape off bits of comb or propolis stuck to the inner wall of the hive and also for scraping excess wax cappings during bee harvest season.
If a beekeeper does not have a bee brush on hand, they may even use a hive tool to carefully remove bees from the frames. Having the right beekeeping supplies is essential in ensuring that beekeepers can properly care for their hives, and having a dependable hive tool is a must-have in making sure that all goes smoothly when it comes to opening and closing their hives.
Beeswax foundation sheets – used to help the bees build their honeycombs
Beekeeping is both an exciting and rewarding hobby, but it requires the right beekeeping supplies for success. One of these beekeeping supplies is beeswax foundation sheets. These special wax sheets are essential to a bee’s construction process when building the honeycomb in the hive.
Beginner beekeepers find that adding some of these basic foundation sheets to the hive helps their bee colony form robust and well built honeycombs. In fact, experienced beekeepers have been known to reuse their bee combs when they add new bees wax foundation sheets. All beekeepers should include bee wax foundations sheets as part of their beekeeping equipment as this simple step will help lead to healthier bee colonies
Feeder – used to give the bees sugar water or pollen patties when necessary
As a beginner beekeeper, one of the essential beekeeping supplies you’ll need is a feeder. It’s used to give the bees sugar water or pollen patties to provide them with the energy they need when it’s scarce. Feeders come in various types, so finding the right one that fits your beekeeping needs can be tricky. Be sure to research carefully and determine the best feeder for your hive prior to making a purchase. It will help ensure that your bee colony stays healthy and strong all year long!
Beekeeping is a rewarding hobby that anyone can do with the right supplies and knowledge. By setting up your bee hive, stocking it with bees, and then maintaining it, you will have many pounds of delicious honey to enjoy each year. Not to mention, you’ll be doing your part to help save the declining population of bees!
Hi – I’m Erika, the head writer and expert beekeeper here at Just Beekeeping! I am a backyard beekeeper and proud member of the American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) and the Central Indiana Beekeepers Association. In addition, I am an educator with advanced degrees from UC-Berkeley and the University of Southern California (USC). I use my expertise to help others learn about beekeeping, and I am an advocate for all subjects bee related!