Whether you are interested in beekeeping for commercial reasons or raise these sweet creatures as a hobby, you need to ensure that your beekeeping practices are safe and easy. Not only do you need to familiarise yourself with the basics; you also need to research the best on-site equipment and how to use them.
You do not have to master the advanced aspects of beekeeping all at once. Start your career path with the most important beekeeping provisions. Then, upgrade your skills and equipment according to the needs of your apiary.
Protective Equipment
Regardless of the size of the apiary, personal safety is a priority. This entails investing in a quality beekeeper suit. This protects you from bee venom and stings, which can be harmful. A complete set consists of beekeeping pants, a veil and a jacket. They either come as a set or are purchased separately. Also, invest in quality gloves and rubber boots.
These pieces of protective gear are made of diverse materials, so you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each material before you splurge.
The Hive Tool
The hive tool is a durable, flat metal tool that is 1/4 inch thick, 2 inches wide and 7 inches long. It has an elongated, sharp end and a tapered, curved end.
The hive tool has several uses. This is what you need to remove the propolis and clean the beehive. You can also use the equipment to open a honeycomb and remove intruders like beetles. Some models have small holes through which you can use to remove small nails. Choose a beehive tool that meets your needs and is simple to use.
The Bee Brush
This is a brush used to gently remove the bees from the frame or honey super. They are extremely soft to protect the bees, so that they will not be agitated or hurt.
Even though the bristles are soft, the brush would still be dangerous to the bees if wielded forcefully. So, you need to use the brush gently so that the bee parts — such as wings and legs — will not be damaged. Keep in mind that each one of your little friends is invaluable to the success of your business. Invest in the finest brush and learn how to use it properly.
The Smokers
These are the best known and most widely used products in beekeeping. The smoke it releases counters the pheromone signal of the bees, making it harder for them to communicate with each other and calming them down.
Messages of harm, therefore, won’t spread across the colony, so the beekeeper can easily harvest honey and inspect the frames. Because of its importance, the smoker has to be made of high-quality stainless steel.
The Suction Equipment
The suction equipment pulls honey out of the frame without damaging the equipment or hurting the bees. You can choose between a manual or an electric suction.
The accessories for bees are not hard to discover, but you need to make sure you get quality equipment to enjoy durability and functionality. If you have the right beekeeping equipment, you will enjoy running your apiary and lay the foundation for business success.
