Bees are a specialized group of insects that need specific equipment to keep them healthy and productive. There are many different types of equipment that beekeepers use.
Most of the basic tools necessary for beekeeping can be purchased from your local hardware store or at a specialty bee supply company. However, some beekeepers prefer to make their own equipment or purchase used items.
Uncapping Tool
An uncapping tool is a great addition to beekeeping supplies, especially for those who are new to beekeeping. It allows you to remove the wax cappings from the comb and expose the honey within.
A good uncapping tool will have a sharp blade that can be used to cut the wax cappings. It can also be used to scratch the comb so that it is easier to remove the honey from the frame.
It is important to note that if you have to use a knife for the extraction process, it is recommended that you keep a jug of boiled water handy. The hot water will help to warm up the blade so that it will be easier to cut through the wax cappings.
There are three different kinds of uncapping knives available in the market. They include an automatic uncapper, a cold uncapping knife and an electric one.
Beekeeper’s Gloves
Beekeeping gloves provide protection from honey, propolis and bees that can stick stings into your hands. This is especially true for beginners who are learning how to handle bees properly.
Nitrile gloves are thin but effective, providing protection from bees without affecting your dexterity. They do not breathe as well as leather, meaning sweat can build up inside the glove.
Inexperienced beekeepers should use thicker gloves, to protect their hands and forearms. As they become more experienced, they lean toward thinner gloves to reduce the chance of getting stung by bees.
Humble Bee makes a pair of goatskin beekeeping gloves that fit securely and provide the right balance between protection and dexterity. They are comfortable to wear and repel virtually all the stings you can expect to get from bees.
Beekeeping Boots
Whether you’re an experienced beekeeper or a beginner, wearing the correct protective equipment is a must. Bees are a dangerous insect in their large numbers, and they can sting without warning if you are not properly protected.
The simplest way to protect yourself is to wear a beekeeping suit. Suits are typically made of white cotton or nylon and come with a round hat/veil combo or a European style dome hood (known as a fencing veil).
You should also have a good pair of gloves on hand. These should be thick enough to keep your hands sting-free but should still allow you to do all of the important tasks that are involved in beekeeping.
Smoker
A smoker is a beekeeping tool that’s used to keep bees calm and reduce the chance of getting stung. Bees secrete alarm pheromones when they sense an intruder, so applying smoke to the hive can mask this scent and prevent guard bees from alerting the rest of the colony.
Smoke can also be applied when inspecting a hive. It’s important to puff a little smoke around the entrance of the hive before opening it, and then apply a few more after a minute has passed.
The amount of smoke you apply should be based on how many hives you have and the number of inspections you’re going to do. Small puffs of smoke will help calm the colony, but if you apply too much it can agitate them and result in more stings.
A quality smoker is an essential piece of beekeeping equipment for any beekeeper. It should be made of high-quality stainless steel and feature a heat shield to protect your hands. It should also be easy to open and operate one-handed.