Beekeeper Supplies – Essential Things You’ll Need
In order to be an awesome beekeeper, it’s important to get the proper equipment. If not properly equipped, beekeeping can be dangerous. To better reduce their chances of getting hurt, beekeeper equip themselves with the right supplies Supplies are needed for each stage of making honey including those for getting the honey and keeping your hives healthy.
One of the biggest facets of beekeeping is keeping the beekeeper out of harms way. This is accomplished in a lot of ways. Clothes that cover and protect is one way to protect the beekeeper. Generally, this includes a beekeeper suit, with hat, gloves and veil. One of the worst places to get stung is in the face. It’s critical for even the experienced beekeeper to cover their face with the hat and veil. The beekeepers suit itself is made from white (or light colored) light-weight material. Even though they’re bulky, gloves are very important for protecting a beekeeper’s hands
Another common tool is a “smoker” which relaxes the bees while the beekeeper is tending to them. By using a range of fuels such as twine, rotten wood, burlap or pine needles, the smoker gives off….you guessed it….smoke. The smoke gives off a response for leaving the hive due to fire and also suppresses the hormone guard bees release when they sense a new person (or possible threat). It is while the bees are suppressed and unaware that the beekeeper has an opportunity to open the hive. This way they can check the health of the hive as well as perform other functions without getting stung.
Some beekeepers add sugar syrup to bee hives to give them even more food than they could get on their own. This extra food gets the bees through the lean times and also encourages them to lay eggs. Depending on the season, different types of feeders are used. During the winter, while the bees are mostly inactive and staying inside, the popular feeders that are used are “pail”, “division board” and “hive top”. While in the summer months, when the bees are most active, a simple “entrance feeder” is often used.
Probably the most important part of beekeeping is deciding what kind of hive to house therm in. Beekeepers can either buy or construct artificial hives that have removable wax foundations where the bees make their combs. These are easy for the beekeeper to use and maintain. These have a pre-built hexagonal cell shape pattern. This also makes it easier for the bees to construct their combs since some of the work is already done.
Overall, the beekeeper must maintain proper beekeeper supplies. Starting with proper protective clothing, a smoker, feeders (to prevent starvation and encourage egg laying) and the hives themselves, these are the basics needed to get you started on your beekeeping adventure. With the proper supplies, raising bees can be a successful hobby that anyone can enjoy.
