Essential Beekeeper Supplies For The Newbie

As a newbie to beekeeping, understanding the expense and possible complicity of the hobby is essential. If the beginner is to be successful in this endeavor then there are beekeeper supplies that are absolutely necessary. Mostly, the supplies needed will be used to keep the bees healthy and maintain the integrity of the hive. However, some of the essentials include equipment and gear that keep the beekeeper from harm. Avoiding bee stings is key to enjoying the hobby and making things a lot easier.

It is important to purchase brand new, unused supplies to avoid contamination and possible introduction of harmful disease. Some of the items on the list of supplies include a hive tool, beekeeper's suit, gloves, hat and a brush. Each piece of equipment has its own specific use and helps to provide for healthy bees and hives as well as offer protection for the keeper. Being able to properly care for the bees will assure plenty of quality honey being produced.

Protective gear should be chosen carefully so that unnecessary stings are avoided. The full body jumpsuit with elastic wristbands and leg openings is the primary piece of gear for beekeepers. This along with a hat and veil are the most important items to be worn when attending the hive. The suit is usually white to work as a disguise to the bees. They are only in defense mode towards darker colors that resemble a threat such as that of a bear.

The hat with a veil that covers the face and neck are essential to prevent bees from stinging the sensitive areas of the face and neck. It is easier to pull a stinger from the hand than from the face where you cannot see its location as easily. Gloves do protect the hands, but many beekeepers forego their use because of the limiting abilities of delicate handling that is sometimes needed.

One piece of equipment that all beekeepers prefer using is called a smoker. The smoker emits puffs to clouds of smoke at the beekeepers discretion. When the smoke engulfs the bees it sends a signal that there is a fire and they need to flee. It also calms the bees. Many types of fuels can be used to create the smoke including rotten wood, corrugated cardboard, or burlap. It also blocks the pheromones emitted by stingers. Therefore, no alarms are received by the bees, which signal them to attack.

Another essential tool is the uncapping fork and a brush. The brush helps to not only remove dirt from the hive, but gently moves bees away from areas that need to be tended. The uncapping fork works to remove the excess wax that can accumulate between the frames holding the combs that cause them to stick together. It can be used to retrieve the honey from the comb.

Just as essential are supplies for the bees. Hives must be purchased to give the bees a good starting point and to allow for your control over location. And though bees can usually find their own food supplies, having sugar syrup available will help keep them from starving. A feeder will be necessary to hold the supply of syrup.

After stocking the essential supplies, any newbie is ready to populate his hives and can begin the search for the right bees.