These are the implements I always have handy during a hive inspection:
- Two types of hive tools, one with a hook
- Serrated knife for sculpting comb
- Scratcher for testing drones for mites
- Three colors of thumb tacks stuck into some type of holder (a cork, soft wood scrap, etc.)
- My record book, noting day and date of inspection (with help of a calendar pasted inside the cover)
- Black marking-pen and a regular pen
- Painter’s tape for marking outside of hive box–e.g., “honey super 30% full,” etc.
- Bee brush
- Smoker
- One or more wooden nuc boxes to temporarily hold the queen frame and other frames
—–Rich
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