The Basic Beekeeping Equipment You Will Need

The minimum equipment you will need will be a hive, protective clothing, a smoker and a hive tool, and later on equipment for dealing with your honey crop.

The illustration below is of a standard Langstroth 10 frame hive. However, the size and type of hive you use will be influenced by the type of operation you intend to run.


You should order your hive in plenty of time before your bees arrive, so that you have time to familiarise yourself with the various sections and become adept at handling it.

A bee smoker is also vital, so that you can calm down your bees if they object to being disturbed - the video linked to this blog shows an experienced beekeeper using his smoker whilst examining the hive frames.

The bee smoker is basically a fire pot and grate with bellows attached. The 4 x 7 inch smoker is widely used. Fuels to use include wood shavings, corn cobs, pine needles, cardboard, dry leaves and cotton rags.

You will need a hive tool to separate frames in the brood chamber or honey super, it is essentially a metal bar. To keep it free from disease, clean the hive tool by burning it in the hot pot of the smoker.

And finally you will need protective clothing. A veil is essential at all times, to protect your neck and face from stings. There is a wide variety of clothing, smocks, jackets, trousers, and coveralls. White or tan clothing is probably best, as bees are disturbed by dark colours and fuzzy materials.

Newcomers to beekeeping should also use canvas or leather gloves. Remember to clean your protective clothing and gloves to get rid of sting and hive odors that may irritate bees.

Protective beekeeping suits are available from my online shop - click here to view them.