Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
them. Overwintering, honey production, pest resistance and gentleness are all traits
to consider.
Equipment Dos and Don'ts
• Don't for one moment be swayed by manufacturers' beginner's kits. These kits use
the least expensive, poorest quality equipment, tools and protective gear that they
sell. Customize your operation so that it fits you—not what somebody else chooses
for you.
• Order your equipment early enough that you have ample time to prepare it all. Find
a supplier that you are comfortable with, one that has all of the equipment you need,
and is willing to answer your questions. When purchasing additional pieces, remem-
ber that not all manufacturers' equipment matches—stick with a single supplier, at
least until you are more familiar with beekeeping.
• For convenience, safety, and ease of use, I recommend starting with 8 frame, pre-
assembled equipment, using screened bottom boards with tray inserts, and wooden
frames with plastic, beeswax-coated foundations. Either flat or decorative covers
are effective, but landing board stands are not. Use queen excluders, and feed with
one-gallon plastic pails.
• Paint or stain the exterior-only parts of your equipment with neutral or natural col-
ors. White stands out, brown and gray don't.
• Get a full bee suit (best) or jacket-style suit with attached, zippered veil. Start with
two hive tools, the large-sized stainless- steel smoker with heat shield and the least
bulky, most sensitive gloves you can find.
• Decide what crop you will seek-liquid honey, round comb sections, Bee-o-pacs or
perhaps none at all. Purchase accordingly.
Beekeeping Preparations
• Keep good records, and refer to them before examining your bees.
• Have a plan when opening a colony-know what you want to do, what you should
be finding, and what maladies, if any, may be present.
