When it comes to beekeeping, having the right equipment is essential for the success of your operation and the production of high-quality honey. The equipment you need depends on factors such as the size of your operation, the number of colonies you have, and the type of honey you plan to produce. Here is a list of the basic equipment you will need:

Beehive:

The hive is the house where the honey bee colony lives. The most commonly used hive is the Langstroth beehive, a modern ten-frame hive or flow hive. It comprises a hive stand, bottom board, hive bodies, frames with comb or foundation, and inner and outer covers. The hive bodies hold the brood hive and honey supers; a queen excluder can separate them.

Hive Stand:

While optional, a hive stand elevates the bottom board off the ground, reducing dampness and keeping the entrance clear of grass and weeds. It can be made of concrete blocks, bricks, beehive pallets, or purchased commercially.

Bottom Board:

The bottom board serves as the floor of the colony and provides a landing platform for foraging bees. It should be tilted slightly forward to prevent rainwater from entering the hive. Reversible bottom boards with different entrance sizes are available.

Hive Bodies:

Hive bodies are the bee boxes that hold the frames and comb. They come in various depths. The full-depth hive body, 9 5/8 inches high, is commonly used for brood rearing and honey storage. However, they can be heavy when filled with honey.

Frames and Comb:

Bee frame holds the beeswax comb inside the hive. The comb is built by the bees on foundation or starter strips. Frames come in different sizes to fit the hive body depths. The comb is used for honey storage or brood rearing.

Queen Excluder:

The queen excluder is an optional piece of equipment that restricts the queen’s access to certain parts of the hive. It helps keep the brood nest separate from honey supers. Some beekeepers refer to it as a “honey excluder.”

Inner Cover:

The inner cover is placed on top of the uppermost super and beneath the outer cover. It prevents bees from attaching the outer cover to the super and provides insulation. It may have a hole with a bee escape for removing bees from full supers.

Outer Cover:

The outer cover protects the hive from weather elements. It fits over the inner cover and the top edge of the hive body. A metal sheet on top prevents weathering and leaking. Migratory lids are lightweight covers used for hive transportation.

Customize Hives

Some beekeepers prefer using a slatted bottom board or a different English-style cover to customize their hives.

Beekeeping allows for creativity and individualization, so you can explore different options to suit your preferences. It’s important to protect the hive parts exposed to the weather by painting them. However, it’s essential to avoid painting the inside of the hive as the bees will naturally varnish it with propolis. The purpose of painting is to preserve the wood. Most beekeepers opt for good quality latex or oil-based exterior white paint. Choosing a light color is beneficial as it helps prevent heat buildup in the hive during the summer. While white is a traditional color, using various color combinations can also help reduce drift between colonies.

Plastic equipment

Plastic beehive is another option available in the market. While the basic hive components have traditionally been made from materials like pine, cypress, or redwood, plastic alternatives are now widely available. Plastic hive components and frames that snap together offer durability, strength, lightweight construction, easy assembly, and low maintenance. Plastic frames and foundations are gaining popularity. However, plastic hive covers, bottom boards, and hive bodies have not proven to be as useful due to their limited breathability and ventilation. Plastic is prone to warping, and some types may allow excess light, making it challenging for the bees to draw foundation.

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This list covers the basic equipment needed for beekeeping. In the next article, we will explore additional equipment that can enhance your beekeeping experience. If you have any questions or need assistance with beekeeping equipment, feel free to reach out to us. Start your beekeeping journey with the right tools and equipment for success.