A Beekeepers Toolkit

Beekeepers use a few basic tools to inspect their hives and collect and harvest honey. Below we discover 4 of the essential tools that a beekeeper needs order to carry out their job of inspecting a beehive.

Smoker

Beekeepers often use a smoker when they inspect their hives as the smoke disrupts the bees sense of smell. For about 10-20 minutes, the bees no longer perceive a threat when the hive is being inspected and are more calm and less likely to attack. The smoker emits cool smoke and the bees are not harmed.

Hive Tool

A hive tool is a metal tool that is used to pry apart hive components, scrape off propolis (a sticky resin bees use to seal gaps in the hive) and wax, and move and lift up frames inside the hive. There are 2 different shapes of hive tools – the standard hive tool and J-type hive tool.

Bee brush

A bee brush is used to gently move bees off the frames so that the condition and health of the comb and brood (baby bees) cells can be properly inspected. The bristles are soft enough to gently remove the bees without hurting them. Brush bristles can be made from nylon, horse hair or pig hair!

Protective clothing

This includes a bee suit or jacket with a protective face veil and gloves. Some beekeepers are lucky enough to not have to wear any protective clothing as they do not react to bee stings. Many companies now make children’s sized bee suits as more children are taking up the hobby of beekeeping.