Keeping honeybees as an activity and sustainable method requires a multitude of necessary tools and supplies used in maintaining a productive, healthy honeybee colony. Each hive component, protective equipment, and other tool is essential to the success of your apiary.
Let’s take a look at some key honeybee hive tools and supplies you’ll need to get started.
Hive Parts
Hive Bodies
This includes the major parts of the beehive where bees build their comb and store honey. The size varies, such as Langstroth top bar, Warre, etc.
Frames
These are the wooden or plastic frames fixed in the hive bodies. It is the base on which bees construct honeycombs.
Foundation
This is a pre-printed sheet of beeswax or plastic which is inserted into the frames to guide the bees in building straight, uniform comb.
Hive Covers
Protects the hive from elements and other pests. A hive cover can be flat or telescopic.
Bottom Boards
Provides a base for the hive, enables ventilation, and also mite management.
Beekeeping Tools
Hive Tool
The general-purpose tool is to remove frames, scrape off propolis, and for general hive maintenance.
Smoker
Creates smoke to calm the bees. Used while checking on the hives or during the honey extraction process.
Frame Lifter
Required to carefully lift heavy frames that do not damage the comb.
Uncapping Tool
Used to remove wax caps from the honeycomb before extracting honey.
Honey Extractor
A spinning device that takes the frames to extract honey from the comb.
Honey Strainer
This is used for filtering any debris or impurities from the honey.
Feeder
A feeding device gives supplemental food to bees, such as sugar syrup or pollen patties.
Protective Gear
Bee Suit: Also known as beekeeping suit, a protective suit, preferably cotton or synthetic fabric, which encloses the body from most bee sting attacks.
Veil: Head and face covering that protects your eyes and face from bees.
Gloves: Leather or rubber gloves are protective for your hands.
Boots: It is boots that can protect the soles of the feet and could be strong enough for stings and support for ankles.
Honeybee Supplies Companies
Woodsbeeco Company sells honeybee hive tools and supplies come in many forms and in large numbers.
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Offers a large variety of beekeeping gear and beehive supplies.
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Offers the bulk of the items on the product list along with educational resources for the beekeepers.
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This family-owned company is well-experienced in beekeeping supplies and equipment.
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Offers an all-inclusive listing of beekeeping tools and beekeeping supplies.
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Woodsbeco company provides a beekeeping equipment assortment.
Conclusion
Remember, specific tools and supplies will depend on the aims of your beekeeping, type of hive being used, and so much more. However, in most cases, it would always be wise to seek further expertise from experienced beekeepers and associations in your area who might also have some recommendations.
When you make an investment into honeybee hive tools and supplies, then you are well set to take the leap as a beekeeper and enjoy a reward-tinged life of tending to your honeybee colonies.