BEE
EQUIPMENT!

Beekeeping requires some essential equipment to get started. These are some of the basic equipment and tools that you will need to get started however, there may be other items that you'll need based on your location, weather, and specific beekeeping goals. It's always a good idea to consult with experienced beekeepers or a local beekeeping association to ensure that you have everything you need.

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Here are some of the basic equipment and tools that you will need:

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Beehive: This is the most crucial equipment you'll need to keep bees. You can buy pre-made hives or build your own. A typical beehive includes a bottom board, brood box, one or more boxes (also called "supers"), frames, wax foundation or starter strips, queen excluder and a cover.

 

Protective Clothing: Beekeepers need protective clothing to prevent bee stings. A bee suit or jacket, veil, gloves or sleeves for extra protection and boots are essential. 

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Bee Suit: A bee suit is a full-body suit that covers the entire body, including the head and hands. It is typically made from a lightweight and breathable material, such as cotton or polyester, and is designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. A bee suit may also have elastic at the wrists and ankles to prevent bees from entering the suit.

 

Bee Jacket: A bee jacket is similar to a bee suit, but does not cover the entire body. It typically covers the upper body, including the arms, chest, and neck. A bee jacket is usually worn with other protective clothing, such as gloves and a hat with a veil.

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Bee Gloves: Bee gloves are worn to protect the hands from bee stings. They are typically made from leather or canvas, and are designed to be thick enough to prevent bee stingers from penetrating the material. Bee gloves may also have extra-long cuffs to cover the wrists and prevent bees from entering the gloves.

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• ​​Advantages of beekeeping gloves:

• Protection from bee stings: The primary advantage of beekeeping gloves is that they provide protection from bee stings. This can be especially important for beekeepers who are allergic to bee venom.

• Increased confidence: Wearing beekeeping gloves can give beekeepers increased confidence when working with their hives, as they do not have to worry as much about getting stung.​

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• Disadvantages of beekeeping gloves:

• Reduced dexterity: One of the main disadvantages of beekeeping gloves is that they can reduce dexterity and make it more difficult to handle the bees and hive components.

• Increased difficulty in detecting pests and diseases: Beekeepers who wear gloves may have a harder time detecting pests and diseases in their hives, as they may not be able to feel certain abnormalities in the comb or bees.

• Reduced tactile feedback: Gloves can reduce tactile feedback, making it harder for beekeepers to feel the bees or notice subtle changes in the hive.​Overall, the decision to wear beekeeping gloves or not is a personal choice for beekeepers. Some beekeepers prefer to work without gloves to maintain greater dexterity and tactile feedback, while others prefer the protection and confidence that gloves provide.

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Bee Hat with Veil: A bee hat with veil is worn to protect the head and face from bee stings. It typically consists of a hat with a mesh veil that covers the face and neck. The veil is designed to allow the beekeeper to see clearly, while preventing bees from entering the hat.

 

Boots or Shoes: Beekeepers may wear boots or shoes that cover the feet and ankles to prevent bee stings.

 

Smoker: A smoker is a tool that is commonly used by beekeepers to calm honeybees when working with their hives. The smoker produces cool smoke that is blown into the hive, which helps to calm the bees and make them less aggressive. In addition to calming the bees, the smoke also masks the pheromones that the bees use to communicate with each other. When bees are agitated, they release pheromones that signal to other bees that there is a threat. The smoke from the smoker helps to mask these pheromones, further reducing the likelihood of an aggressive response from the bees. 

 

Bee Brush: A bee brush is a soft-bristled brush used to gently remove bees from frames. A bee brush is a tool that beekeepers use to gently brush bees off of frames or other surfaces without harming them. The bristles of the bee brush are soft and flexible, allowing beekeepers to move the bees without crushing or injuring them.

 

Hive Tool: A hive tool is a multi-purpose tool used for prying open the hive, scraping excess wax or propolis, and separating the frames. The hive tool has a flat, thin blade on one end and a hooked end on the other. The flat, thin blade is used to pry apart the frames of the hive, which can become stuck together with propolis (a sticky substance produced by bees) over time. Beekeepers can use the blade to gently separate the frames, allowing them to inspect the hive more easily. The hooked end of the hive tool is used to lift frames out of the hive or to scrape excess wax or propolis off the frames. Beekeepers can also use the hook to scrape the inside of the hive, removing any built-up propolis or other debris. In addition to these uses, the hive tool can also be used to remove or adjust the entrance reducer on the hive, as well as to remove the lid or other components of the hive.

 

Feeder: A feeder is used to provide bees with sugar syrup or other liquid feed.

 

Varroa mite treatments: such as formic acid, oxalic acid, or thymol).​

 

Extractor: An extractor is used to remove honey from the frames, honey strainers or filter, uncapping tank or bucket, honey storage containers

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​Choosing a hive

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Langstroth Hive: This is the most common type of hive used in commercial and hobbyist beekeeping. It consists of boxes (called supers) that can be stacked on top of each other, with frames inside for the bees to build comb on. The Langstroth hive is known for its versatility, durability, and ease of management. However, it can be heavy to lift and manipulate, and may require specialized tools for inspection and maintenance.

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Top-Bar Hive: This is a horizontal hive that does not use frames, but instead has bars along the top that the bees can attach comb to. Top-bar hives are known for their simplicity and low cost, as well as their ease of access for hive inspections. However, they can be less productive than Langstroth hives, and may require more frequent maintenance.

 

Warre Hive: This is a vertical hive that uses boxes (called "nadir boxes") that are added underneath the existing boxes as the colony grows. The Warre hive is designed to mimic the natural structure of a bee colony, and is known for its ease of management and low cost. However, it may be less productive than other types of hives, and may require more frequent maintenance.

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Flow Hive: This is a relatively new type of hive that has gained popularity in recent years. It features a special frame system that allows honey to be harvested without disturbing the bees or opening the hive. Flow hives are known for their ease of use and low disturbance to the bees. However, they can be expensive to purchase, and may not be suitable for all beekeeping situations.

 

Kenyan Top Bar Hive: This is another type of horizontal hive that uses bars instead of frames. The Kenyan Top Bar Hive is similar to the Top-Bar Hive, but is longer and narrower. It is known for its simplicity and low cost, but may be less productive than other types of hives and may require more frequent maintenance.

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When choosing a type of hive, it's important to consider factors such as your beekeeping goals, your level of experience, and your budget. Each type of hive has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

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Hive materials

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Wood: Wood is the most traditional and popular material for building hives. It is readily available, easy to work with, and provides good insulation for the bees. Cedar and pine are commonly used types of wood, as they are durable and resist rotting. Wooden hives can be painted or left unpainted, depending on personal preference.

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Plastic: Plastic hives are a relatively new development in beekeeping, but have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are lightweight, durable, and do not require painting or maintenance. They are also resistant to pests and disease, and provide good insulation for the bees. However, they can be more expensive than wooden hives, and may not be as aesthetically pleasing.

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Polystyrene: Polystyrene hives are similar to plastic hives in many ways, but are made from a special type of foam that provides excellent insulation for the bees. They are lightweight and durable, and are less expensive than some other types of hives. However, they can be more difficult to work with, as they are more fragile than wood or plastic hives.

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Metal: Metal hives are not as common as other types of hives, but are sometimes used in commercial beekeeping operations. They are durable and long-lasting, but are not as good at insulating the bees as wooden or plastic hives. They can also be more expensive than other types of hives.

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When choosing a material for your hive, it's important to consider factors such as durability, insulation, cost, and personal preference. Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

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​Here are the main parts of a beehive and their functions:

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Bottom Board: This is the base of the hive and provides a flat surface for the hive to sit on. It also provides an entrance for the bees to enter and exit the hive.

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Solid Bottom Board: This is a basic and traditional option where the bottom of the hive is completely solid. It provides good insulation and prevents drafts from entering the hive. However, it can also trap moisture inside the hive, which can lead to mould and other issues.

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Screened Bottom Board: This is a type of bottom board where the bottom of the hive is covered with a screen or mesh. The screen allows for increased ventilation and air circulation inside the hive, which can help to prevent moisture buildup and improve overall hive health. The screen also allows mites and other pests to fall through the bottom of the hive, which can help to control pest populations.

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Slatted Bottom Board: This is a type of bottom board where the bottom of the hive is made up of slats or boards with small gaps between them. This allows for some ventilation while also providing a stable surface for the hive to rest on. However, it can be more difficult to clean than other types of bottom boards.

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Double Screened Bottom Board: This is a type of bottom board that combines the benefits of a screened bottom board with those of a solid bottom board. It consists of a solid board with a screen or mesh covering a portion of the bottom. This allows for ventilation and pest control while still providing insulation and stability.

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Oil Tray Bottom Board: This is a type of bottom board where an oil tray is placed beneath the screened bottom. The tray is filled with mineral oil, which creates a barrier that prevents pests from climbing back up into the hive. The oil also helps to control pest populations. When choosing a bottom board, it's important to consider factors such as ventilation, pest control, and ease of cleaning. The type of bottom board that you choose may depend on your climate, hive management practices, and personal preference.​

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Supers: These are the boxes that are stacked on top of the bottom board, and where the bees will build their comb and store honey. There are two types of supers:

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Brood box (also called a deep or hive body): This is the bottom box and is where the queen will lay her eggs and the brood (baby bees) will develop.

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Honey super (also called a medium or shallow): This is the box above the brood box, where the bees will store honey.

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Frames: These are the removable rectangular structures that sit inside the supers and provide a foundation for the bees to build their comb. The frames have a wooden frame and a wax or plastic foundation that the bees will build comb on. ​Frames are an essential component of beekeeping hives, as they provide support for the beeswax comb that the bees build and fill with honey and brood. Here are the main types of frames used in beekeeping:

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• Wooden frames: Wooden frames are the most common type of frame used in beekeeping. They are typically made of pine or other durable wood and feature a rectangular shape with a thin strip of foundation wax or plastic for the bees to build their comb on.

• Plastic frames: Plastic frames are a newer type of frame that is gaining popularity in beekeeping. They are typically made of durable plastic and feature a pre-formed comb pattern that the bees can build on. Plastic frames can be reused many times and are easy to clean, making them a convenient option for many beekeepers.

• Foundationless frames: Foundationless frames are similar to wooden frames, but they do not have a pre-formed foundation for the bees to build on. Instead, the bees build their comb entirely from scratch, which can be beneficial for beekeepers who want to encourage natural comb building and reduce the use of synthetic materials.

• Wire frames: Wire frames are wooden frames that have a wire support system built into them. The wire helps to reinforce the frame and prevent it from sagging under the weight of the comb.

• Cut-comb frames: Cut-comb frames are designed for beekeepers who want to harvest cut-comb honey. They feature a shallow box with a removable lid and a pre-formed comb pattern that the bees can fill with honey. When the comb is full, the beekeeper can remove the lid and cut out sections of the comb to harvest the honey.

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Different types of frames used in beekeeping

There are many different types of frames used in beekeeping, each with its own unique size and designation. Here are some of the most common frame sizes and designations used in beekeeping:

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• Langstroth frames: Langstroth frames are the most common type of frame used in beekeeping, and they come in a variety of sizes, including deep, medium, and shallow. The most common Langstroth frame sizes include:

  • ​Deep frames: These frames are usually 9 1/8 inches (23.2 cm) in height and are designated as "Deep" or "DN" frames.

  • Medium frames: These frames are usually 6 1/4 inches (15.9 cm) in height and are designated as "Medium" or "FN" frames.

  • Shallow frames: These frames are usually 5 3/8 inches (13.7 cm) in height and are designated as "Shallow" or "SN" frames.

• ​Top bar frames: Top bar frames are used in top bar hives and are typically wider than Langstroth frames. They are often designated by the width of the top bar in millimeters, such as "TBH 38mm."

• Dadant frames: Dadant frames are similar to Langstroth frames, but they are larger and deeper. They are often used for honey production and are designated as "Dadant" or "DD" frames.

• Smith frames: Smith frames are similar to Langstroth frames, but they are narrower and deeper. They are often used in the UK and are designated as "Smith" or "SN" frames.

• Warre frames: Warre frames are used in Warre hives, which are smaller and more compact than Langstroth hives. The frames are typically 8 1/4 inches (21 cm) in height and are designated as "Warre" or "WA" frames.​

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Cover: This is the top of the hive and covers the supers to protect them from the weather. The cover can be a flat board or a peaked roof, and may have ventilation holes.

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Inner Cover: This is a flat board that sits directly on top of the uppermost super and under the outer cover. It provides ventilation and insulation for the hive.

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Queen Excluder: This is a mesh or wire grid that is placed between the brood box and honey supers to prevent the queen from laying eggs in the honey supers. This allows beekeepers to harvest honey without the risk of brood in the comb.

 

Entrance Reducer: This is a small wooden or plastic strip that can be inserted into the entrance of the hive to reduce the size of the opening, making it easier for the bees to defend against predators.

 

Bee Escape: This is a one-way device that is used to remove bees from the honey supers before harvest. The bees can leave the honey supers but cannot re-enter, allowing beekeepers to remove the honey without bees getting in the way.

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• Porter Bee Escape: This is a plastic or metal device that fits over the entrance of the honey super. The bees leave the super to gather nectar but are unable to return due to the design of the escape. It's a simple and affordable option.

• Rhombus Board: This is a board that fits over the top of the hive, with a hole in the center that leads to a plastic or metal cone-shaped escape. The bees move through the escape and into a lower chamber, where they are unable to return to the honey supers.

• Imirie Shim: This is a type of escape that fits between the honey supers and the brood box. It has a slot that allows bees to move down into the brood box but makes it difficult for them to move back up into the honey supers. 

• Escape Screens: These are screens that are placed over the top of the honey supers, with a wire mesh or hole pattern that allows bees to leave but prevents them from re-entering. Escape screens are effective but can be more expensive than other options.

• Fume Boards: These are boards that are treated with chemicals that mimic the smell of a bee colony in distress, which causes the bees to leave the honey supers. The bees move down into the brood box, where they can be removed. It's worth noting that bee escapes are not always necessary or effective for removing bees from honey supers. Some beekeepers prefer to use a bee blower or shake method to remove bees before harvesting honey. Additionally, it's important to use bee escapes carefully and follow instructions to avoid harming the bees or the hive.​

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Stands: ​

• Wooden Stand: This is a simple and traditional option, where the hive sits on a wooden stand that raises it off the ground. Wooden stands can be made in various heights and designs, and can be painted or stained to match the hive.

• Metal Stand: This is a sturdy and durable option, where the hive sits on a metal stand that is usually made of galvanized steel. Metal stands come in various sizes and designs and can support multiple hives at once.

• Hive Stand with Legs: This is a stand that has adjustable legs, which allows the height of the hive to be raised or lowered as needed. This is a good option if you need to adjust the height of the hive for accessibility or to prevent flooding.

• Pallet Stand: This is a type of stand where the hive sits on a wooden or plastic pallet, which is raised off the ground. Pallet stands are often used in commercial beekeeping operations where hives need to be moved frequently.

• Concrete Blocks: This is a low-cost and easy option, where concrete blocks are used to raise the hive off the ground. This option is suitable for hobbyist beekeepers who only have a few hives.

 

When choosing a stand for your beehive, it's important to consider factors such as stability, durability, and accessibility. The stand should be able to support the weight of the hive and provide a level surface. It's also important to choose a stand that is easy to access for routine hive inspections and maintenance.

 

 

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