Starting your first hive is easier with the right gear on hand before the bees arrive. Here is a plain checklist.
Protective gear
- Veil: The most important piece. Protect your face first.
- Jacket or full suit: A jacket works for many beekeepers. A full suit gives more coverage. Ventilated suits are cooler in hot weather.
- Gloves: Many beginners start with gloves and go thinner as they get comfortable.
The hive
- Bottom board, hive bodies (brood boxes), frames with foundation, inner cover and outer cover.
- Honey supers for when the colony is strong.
- A stand to keep the hive off the ground.
Tools
- Hive tool: For prying apart boxes and frames.
- Smoker and fuel: Smoke helps keep bees calm during inspections.
- Bee brush: For gently moving bees off frames.
Feeding
A feeder and sugar are useful for new colonies and fall feeding. See Fall and Winter Bee Feeding.
Learn before you start
A local beekeeping club is one of the best places to learn. Many states also ask beekeepers to register hives, so check your state's rules.
Protective gear we carry
- Professional Three Layer Ventilated Beekeeping Jacket – $159.99
- Professional Triple Layer Ventilated Full Beekeeping Suit – $181.99
- Classic Cotton Beekeeping Jacket with Round Veil – $77.49
- Beekeeping Veil - Round and Fencing – $49.99
- Ventilated Goat Skin Beekeeping Gloves – $29.99
- Kids Ventilated Beekeeping Suit – $144.99
Beekeeping gear ships from the vendor with the vendor's shipping. See it all in our Beekeeping collection.
Shop beekeeping gear: 4kbowen.com/s/beegear
More beekeeping guides:
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