Beekeeping Supplies
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How to Use a Bee Smoker
One of the first things a new beekeeper will learn is how to use a bee smoker. A bee smoker is essential in allowing the beekeeper to do hive inspections without getting stung. What is a Bee Smoker? A bee smoker is a device beekeepers use that puffs smoke into a beehive. It is constructed as a stainless steel cylinder, called a fire chamber, with a lid and nozzle on top. A bellows is attached to the back of the cylinder that forces air through it. Bee smokers usually have metal cage built around them so the beekeeper can hold the smoker without burning their hands. There are different kinds…
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A Guide to Beehive Brood Boxes and Honey Supers
The beehive box is the most important part of the beehive. Langstroth hives and Warre Hives have components called a beehive box. It is the part of the hive that contains the frames for comb, brood, and honey. If a beekeeper is looking for beehive boxes for sale, they are typically looking for extra boxes for their beehive. Both of these types of hives are customizable in that you are able to add more beehive boxes to them in order to accommodate a larger colony. In the Langstroth hive extra beehive boxes are added to the top of the hive, while they are added to the bottom in the Warre…
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How to Use a Beekeeping Journal
A part of beekeeping that is not often thought of is record keeping. Record keeping is such a useful tool because keeping track of your observations can really help to improve and expand on your beekeeping knowledge. There are a few different methods of record keeping of beekeepers. Some keep their records electronically by using excel spreadsheets or even audio or video, but the most common form of record keeping is a beekeeping journal. These can be made from scratch, bought, or made from a beekeeping journal template. What is a Beekeeping Journal? A beekeeping journal is a great way for beekeepers to keep track of what is going on…
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Should You Use a Screened Bottom Board in Winter?
In beekeeping the bottom board is the floor of the beehive. There are 2 different types of bottom boards – solid and screened. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and it is up the beekeeper to decide which one they like best. This article is all about the screened bottom board. Here, you’ll learn what a screened bottom board is, pros and cons of using one, and how to use a screened bottom board in winter. Disclosure: As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no cost to you and helps to keep this website running. What is a Screened Bottom Board? In a beehive, the bottom…
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Get 20% off Beehives and Supplies in November
There are many things beekeepers can do now to prepare for winter. Now, here’s something you can do to prepare for spring. Buy your hives, hive parts, and accessories early this year to save money. You can get 20% off all Hoover Hives, NuBee, Busy Bee ‘N’ More, and CellTech products when you order from Galena Farms. Use coupon code COMPLETEBEEHIVES. This sale begins on November 1st, so purchase now while supplies are still in stock. To take advantage of this awesome sale, click the button below to go to the Galena Farms website, and use coupon code COMPLETEBEEHIVES at checkout. Best Things to Stock Up On: Protective Gear Beekeepers…
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How to Use a Sugar Water Feeder For Bees
Feeding bees can be somewhat of a controversial topic among beekeepers. Some feel that it’s best to leave bees to their own devices and let nature take it’s course. The weaker bees would die off, leaving a colony of stronger bees. However, there are definitely times when it is appropriate for beekeepers to feed bees. In those times it is extremely helpful to have a sugar water feeder for bees. A new colony of bees would require feeding, as well as bees recovering from illness. If for some reason there are no flowers around for bees to get pollen and nectar, they may need to be fed as well. This…
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What Do Beekeepers Wear?
When people think of bees, the first thing they think about is getting stung. On TV bees are often portrayed stinging and attacking people. The truth is, bees are generally not aggressive. They really do not want to sting us. The only time a bee will sting is if they feel that their hive is being threatened or if you accidentally hurt them. Beekeepers handle bees so much that getting stung once in a while is inevitable. Luckily, there are special clothes that protect beekeepers from stings. So, what do beekeepers wear to keep them safe? Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no…
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Top 5 Beehive Stands for Sale -The Importance of Using a Hive Stand
An important tool in beekeeping that is sometimes overlooked is the beehive stand. While beehive stands don’t look like anything special, they provide the beekeeper with comfort while tending to the hive. For the bees, a beehive stand is important because it helps to keep the hive dry. This article will discuss what a beehive stand is, the proper beehive stand height, and dimensions of a beehive stand. Lastly, I will review the top beehive stands for sale. What is a Beehive Stand? In beekeeping, a beehive stand is a structure that elevates the beehive off the ground. Hive stands are made of wood, plastic or metal and can be…
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The Best Disposable Gloves for Beekeeping
Any seasoned beekeeper will tell you that it is very important to have the proper protective clothing when working with bees. And that includes a pair of gloves. Since your hands will be directly in the beehive, you should wear gloves in order to prevent bee stings on your hands. Types of Beekeeping Gloves There are a few different types of gloves for beekeepers to choose from. These gloves are made from different materials such as leather, goatskin, and nitrile. Leather and goatskin gloves are reusable, while nitrile gloves are disposable. Leather Gloves Leather is the most commonly used material for beekeeping gloves. It is a thick, natural material that…
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How to Clean a Honey Extractor
Now that you learned how to use a honey extractor, the next step is cleaning and maintaining it. Buying a honey extractor can be a bit of an investment, so I’m sure you want to take good care of it. A properly maintained honey extractor can last for years. After harvesting honey you will see that your extractor has a lot of sticky residue all over it’s sides. It is important to clean this residue so your honey extractor can work properly next time. Read on to learn how to clean a honey extractor. How to Clean a Honey Extractor Removing the residual honey can be a bit messy and…
