What equipment is needed to start beekeeping?
I have this information posted on our club website (
http://colonialbeekeepers.com) but I'll see if I can copy it here as well. The prices are from 2006 so they would need to be re-researched.
What equipment is needed to start beekeeping?
Here is a list of items with suppliers that I would presently recommend. Remember, ask 7 beekeepers a question and get 7 different answers. These choices are my opinion only. Researching these items between different suppliers may reduce costs.
There are some assumptions that I’ll be making while compiling this list:
I am going to list products making the assumption that two packages are going to be started. It is a recommended practice to start with two so that comparisons will indicate to the new beekeeper if problems are present.
I am going to assume that the new beekeeper has elected to go with all medium supers for building the hive so all equipment is interchangeable.
I am going to assume that the new beekeeper wants to practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with the new colonies.
OK, let’s get ready to hive some bees:
1. An Instruction Manual - you'll want to have a reference manual and this one is basic and has much good information.
Dadant - M00001 FIRST LESSONS IN BEEKEEPING $4.95
2. Telescoping covers and inner covers - the roof and ceiling of the hive.
Dadant - B11101 COVER TELESCOPING METAL W/INNER COVER C/1 $20.75 X 2 = $41.50
3. Screened Bottom Board (IPM) - the floor of the hive.
Dadant - B92901 VARROA SCREENED BOTTOM BOARD EACH $12.50 x 2 = $25.00
4. Entrance Reducer - reduces the size of the front door until the bees are established and able to defend their colony with a full size entrance.
Dadant - B93101 Wood Entrance Reducer $0.85 x 2 = $1.90
5. Medium Supers (5 each) - the walls of the hive. (These can be bought in two separate buys to reduce initial costs and shipping as the colony will take time to use all ten of these supers.)
Dadant - B31205 SUPER 6 5/8 EMPTY C/5 $47.50 x 2 = $95.00
6. Medium Frames (50 each) - these are like rooms within the hive. They will hold the comb. 10 frames are required for each super. (These also can be bought in two separate buys as mentioned above to reduce initial costs and shipping as the colony will take time to use all this woodenware.)
Dadant - B76150 FRAMES 6 1/4 WTB GBB C/50 $32.50 x 2 = $65.00
7. Small Cell Foundation (IPM) - This provides the template for the bees to build comb. One sheet per frame is normally used. (These also can be bought in two separate buys as mentioned above to reduce initial costs and shipping as the colony will take time to use all this foundation.)
Dadant - F353503SC 4.9mm Small Cell LongHook 5 5/8 Wired 50sheet Foundation $35.50 x 2 = $71.00
8. Feeder - it will be necessary to feed sugar water to a new colony to assist it in establishing itself. There are many feeder styles but for starting out I’d suggest this type and unlike the directions suggested, I’d set the feeder on top of the inner cover and use the ventilated screen as a cover for the feeder. I’d also use some screen to make the modification illustrated in picture "B".
Brushy Mountain - Hive Top Feeder (Cat # 688) $16.95 x 2 = $33.90
A.
Note wire screen over slot in picture "B". Modification keeps bees out of reservoir and reduces number of drowned bees. Floats are not used if the screen modification is made.
Brushy Mountain - 10-Frame Ventilated Inner Cover & Moving screen (Cat # 373) $7.95 x 2 = $15.90
9. Smoker - it is a good practice to use smoke when you inspect your bees. It calms and disorientates them so they are easier to work. You can buy fuel but grass clipping, pine straw and other items work well and are free.
Better Bee - Economy Smoker (SMOKEECON1) $23.95
10. Hive Tool - will not be necessary in the beginning but as the bees establish the hive and propolize, the tool assists in separating the components.
Better Bee - 10" Maxant Hook-End Hive Tool (HT3) $12.50
11. Protective Clothing - a veil is the minimum protection required (you don’t want to get stung in the eye!) regardless of what you’ve seen or heard. I like this jacket veil combination and suggest some bib type overalls to wear along with it. For more protection a coverall is the way to go!
Better Bee - Zippered Jacket Pullover (x-Large - JPO4) $47.95
Dadant - Hat-Veil Combo with Cotton/Poly Suit (V01170) $49.95
12. Gloves - many suggest starting without gloves or transition to going without gloves but regardless you’ll want a pair to have in your kit. I suggest the non-ventilated type as there is not much ventilation and you can get stung through the screen.
Better Bee - Deluxe Non-Ventilated Leather Gloves (Large - VGL2) $11.95
13. Additional Nice To Have Items:
Brushy Mountain - Frame Perch (Cat # 592) $19.95
Brushy Mountain - Frame Grip (Cat # 764) $12.95
SUMMARY
$4.95 Manual
$41.50 Inner & Telescoping Covers
$25.00 Screened Bottom Boards
$1.90 Entrance Reducers
$95.00 Medium Supers
$65.00 Medium Frames
$71.00 Small Cell Foundation
$33.90 Hive Top Feeders
$15.90 Ventilated Covers
$23.95 Smoker
$12.50 Hive Tool
$47.95 Jacket & Veil Combo
$11.95 Gloves
$450.50 TOTAL less items #13
$19.95 Frame Perch
$12.95 Frame Grip
$483.40 TOTAL for all items
Shipping costs are not included.