Bees are sweet business because of what they produce in the end. But whether you keep beekeeping as a hobby or for business reasons, you need to make sure your interactions with bees are safe and simple. In addition to becoming familiar with the basics of beekeeping, you’ll also need to know the best equipment to use in the field and how to use the tools correctly. You can start with the most essential beekeeping supplies, and then upgrade based on the demands of your beekeeping endeavor.
1. Protective equipment – Beekeeping for beginners should start by prioritizing personal safety and this means getting protective gear. This is what will keep you protected from bee stings and venom that can be dangerous. The suit must be composed of pants, jacket and beekeeper’s veil. They can come separately, or you can opt for a pullover suit that’s easy to wear. Consider buying gloves to complete the kit and wellington boots as well. Suits are made from different materials and you need to make sure you consider the pros and cons of each before shopping for what is suitable and what you can really afford.
2.Hivetool- This is a solid flat metal tool that can be 7 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1/4 inch thick. It has a tapered sharp end and a curved tapered end. It’s what you’ll need to dispose of the propolis and maintain a cleaner hive. You can also use the tool to open the honeycomb and squash intruders like hive beetles. Some models have small holes that you can use to pull out nails when necessary. Choose a hive tool that you can trust to meet your needs and that is easy to use.
3. bee brush – It is a soft bristle brush that you will use to remove bees from honey frames and supers. They are soft to keep them careful with the bees so they don’t end up going crazy. You must make sure to use the brush properly so as not to end up damaging parts of the bee such as wings and legs; remember that you still need your little friends to keep the business or hobby fruitful. Get the best brush and learn to use it correctly.
4. Smoking – It is the most iconic and most used in the world of beekeeping. This is what releases the smoke needed to dampen the bees’ pheromone alarm system. The presence of smoke makes it temporarily impossible for the bees to communicate so that you have enough time to extract the honey. Your smoker should be made of high-quality materials like stainless steel and have metal guards to protect your hands, a solid chimney, and leather or wood bellows.
5. Extraction equipment – you can choose electric or manual pump, commercial or small scale. They take the honey out of the frames and make bottling easier. There are so many models, so be sure to select what you think makes things easier.
