Animals

Essential Beekeeping Supplies

By Rene Ebersole on June 13, 2016

Jun 13, 2016

Aside from a Langstroth hive or two, backyard beekeeping requires very little gear - just protective garb and a couple of tools.

Also in beekeeper Rob Keller's trusty field kit? A blowtorch for sanitizing tools and the notebook he uses to keep meticulous records.

Suit: Prevent bee stings – on most of your body, anyway – by donning a ventilated jumpsuit, which will set you back around $100. Then slip on tall socks, boots, and the next two accessories.

Veil and Gloves: Available in hood or hat form, for about $15, a good veil will attach to your suit. Expect to spend an additional $20 on elasticized elbow-length gloves.

Smoker: Stoking this handheld fire chamber will calm bees as you manage the hive. A 4″ Á— 7″ model, usually priced around $30, suffices for hobbyists. Don’t bother buying smoker fuel; just fill the cylinder with dry organic matter (shredded paper or pine needles will suffice) and ignite with a grill lighter.

Hive Tool: Use this metal, crowbar-like device ($10 or less) to open and close the hive and separate frames for inspection.