Equipment determines the physical relationship a beekeeper has with the colony. The right choice makes the work easier; the wrong one harms both the colony and the product.

Groups

• Protective equipment: Veil, suit, gloves, suitable footwear
• Hand tools: Hive tool, smoker, brush, frame grip
• Hive and its parts: Floor, brood box, super, excluder, crown board, roof
• Frames and comb: Frames, foundation, wire
• Harvesting equipment: Uncapping tools, extractor, settling tank, strainer
• Feeding equipment: Feeders
• Measuring tools: Refractometer, scale, sensors, Varroa monitoring gear
• Queen rearing equipment: Cups, grafting tool, cages, mating boxes

Criteria for choosing

Choose what is common in your area

The best hive system is the one common where you are. You can borrow frames, buy colonies and find help when something goes wrong.

Materials

Everything that contacts honey must be stainless steel, food-grade plastic or glass. Honey is acidic and corrodes unsuitable metal.

Ability to be disinfected

Being able to flame equipment where disease is suspected is an important advantage. Timber has the edge over foam materials in this respect.

The most neglected points

• The veil mesh must not touch the face
• Wrists and trouser legs must be closed; bees climb from below
• The hive tool must be cleaned between hives; it is the commonest route of infection
• Foundation must be fitted taut and straight; crooked comb ends the interchangeability of frames
• Keep spares; a broken tool cuts an inspection short

For a beginner

There is no need to buy everything at the start. A veil, a suit, a hive tool, a smoker and two hives are enough. Expensive equipment such as an extractor can often be shared through an association.