Get the Gear! Essentials you Need to Start Beekeeping
So you’re thinking of starting your own apiary…
Odds are you have spent some time learning about bee biology and gaining an understanding of your role as a new beekeeper. You might have already done your homework and are familiar with the best type of land for beekeeping. If you are using someone else’s land you should be familiar with beekeeper-landowner lease agreements. If you are using your own land, make sure you are aware of your locality’s regulations, especially if you live in a neighborhood. If you’re just starting to read up, explore some of the best books for beginner beekeepers. Then it’s time for the fun part: shopping. Here is everything you need to start your first apiary.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is the most important set of gear in a lot of fields and it certainly is in beekeeping. While you should be able to handle your bees in a manner that doesn’t buzz them off, it might take a while for you to get a feel for handling bees. The hard truth is that as a beekeeper, you are simply going to get stung by bees. Fear not! With the right protective equipment you can reduce the risk of stings and help keep you and your bees happy.
Handheld Smokers
One of the most important protective items is the handheld smoker. One of the most universal beekeeping tools, smokers produce nice even plumes of smoke that will keep your bees calm. The smoke blocks their receptors of stress pheromones, so that they will not see your visits as an intrusion and attack you. At the same time, you should be careful not to overdo the smoke, as it can be harmful to bees in excess.
Beekeeping Gloves, Veil, Suit, and Boots
Gloves, one of the most tried and true forms of PPE, in beekeeping, gloves can protect you from bee stings. When handling hives, your hands come into contact with bees first, so protecting them adequately is a must. Your face also deserves protection, so a classic beekeeper veil is key. Not only does the mesh face guard and closing ties prevent bees from going in your nose, eyes and mouth, but the wide hat brim also shields you from the sun while you work your hives. Some people opt for a full bee suit that has a built in veil and protects the whole body. Finally, you should always make sure your feet are protected while working with bees both to prevent stings and prevent injury in case you drop your heavy equipment. Rubber boots or work boots are ideal.
Beehives & Bees
Now for the fun part: choosing the type of hive your bees will call home. There are many different types of beehives, and being familiar with them is important. If you’re just starting out, it makes sense to keep it simple and opt for a box frame hive. These are the most popular form of hives and consist of a lidded box full of 8-10 frames. You’ll also need to decide if you want to use plastic or wooden box frames. Typically hives with plastic frames are lighter and easier to pick up and may last longer because they won’t absorb moisture. Wooden frames are cheaper, readily available, and easier to repair.
When you’re starting out and running a small operation, it is a good idea to have at least two or three hives in case one fails or you need to replace a queen in one of the colonies. Another option is to keep a smaller colony in a nuc, which is basically a smaller backup hive. Having extra frames on hand is also a good idea in case the bees fill them with honey or the wax gets contaminated with pests. Make sure to purchase extra frames that are compatible with the type of box frame you have.
In terms of filling your hives, you should always purchase your bees from a reputable breeder, paying careful attention to the breeds’ resistance to common bee pathogens and pests. Cornell University has a useful table for resistant bee breeders found here.
Tools
There are a few other tools that are essential to running a hive operation. A hive tool is an essential that will help you pull frames from your hive. Often, bees create a substance known as propolis that can glue frames together. A hive tool will make it easier to pry apart sticky frames and make sure everything in your colonies is running smoothly.
A bee brush will also help you when examining hives: it is designed to gently remove bees from the frames without injuring bees. This is especially helpful if you are trying to locate the queen or check on brood development. A queen catcher will help you to hold your queen so that you can examine her, mark her or move her to another location. A non toxic colored marker is perfect for marking a queen so it is easier to find her when you perform hive inspections.
As you gain experience as a beekeeper, you will find that there are many different tools that will make your life with bees easier and more productive. Continuing to learn as you go, reading new material, and talking to other beekeepers will help you get a feel for the tools you prefer once you have the essentials.