Beekeeping

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    Learn More About Beekeeping

    Whether you’re looking for beginner beekeeping equipment or you’re a seasoned queen bee, sellers on Etsy have tons of pet supplies and equipment to help you restock and build your first boxes to keep your bees happy. Besides purchasing a hive, these tools and supplies are essential in aiding you in your beekeeping journey:


    • Beekeeper suits: Bees are likely to attack the face if irritated because they can smell the CO2 from your breath, so it’s a good idea to protect yourself anytime you’re working with them. Covering your body from head to toe is easy with a beekeeping suit, including a white coverall, leather gloves, and a mesh head veil. Choose a size up from your shirt size to allow room for movement and distance away from your skin.
    • Hive tools: Like the fishing rod to a fisherman, hive tools are a beekeeper's best friend when working with the frames. They have a prying side on one end for manipulating the frames and a cutting blade on the other for separating frames and removing excess wax.
    • Bee brush: Bees will not move because you ask them nicely. Use a bee brush to gently guide them away from your working space without harming or removing them from your suit.
    • Bee smoker: Burlap, canvas, and other dry materials can be used for fuel to create a white cloud of smoke. A few puffs of smoke can help make the bees more manageable, especially if you have a particularly aggressive swarm.
    • Bee box: Your bees need a home to live in, and bee boxes have frames inside to encourage them to produce honeycombs. Some bee boxes may come partly assembled while others may require more involved handiwork.

    If you’ve recently purchased a hive, try starting with a beekeeping starter kit that includes the essential beekeeping supplies needed to begin your sweet hobby. Beekeeping equipment like high-quality bee jackets and gloves will give you the protection you need while allowing maximum flexibility and breathability to stay comfortable. Some kits may be tool based and include a hive tool, smoker, and bee brush, which are essentials for any serious hobbyist. Beekeeping starter kits may also be box-focused and have pre-made and easy-to-assemble boxes with bottom boards, inner and outer covers, deep brood boxes, and honey supers to collect honey.