Class 3 | Making Equipment Selections

Choosing the right equipment for your situation is one of the most important decisions that a beekeeper must make.

An older beekeeper like me, who started 15 years ago, now looks longingly at 8-frame hives and thinks about all those heavy, deep 10-frame hive boxes.

Many beekeepers who looked askance at a full bee suit with a zippered veil may wish that they had not chosen a veil that is hard to tie and keep tight.

Cheap smokers will last about a year, and cheap frames will break after a few years.

So choose well and ask your mentor to recommend products and companies with which to deal.

Please note: on Slide 4 of the “Making Equipment Selections” Class, the statement concerning plastic hives (about 1:35 minutes into the PowerPoint show) is inaccurate. Several beekeepers in our area are now using insulated plastic hives successfully. They do offer certain advantages; however, they are quite a bit more expensive than traditional woodenware. Listen to experienced local beekeepers for the pros and cons of particular types of hives.

Class 4 | The Apiary

This video discusses beekeeping regulations, jurisdiction, ordinances, how to protect your hives, choosing your site (important), guidelines on hive placement, and suggestions on forage to plant for your bees.