Beekeeper Supplies: Do You Know These Beekeeper Supplies?

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Not using beekeeper supplies that are adequate might not be the best thing. Beekeeping is a hobby that could be dangerous. But, beekeepers can minimize their chances of being injured by using the right supplies. Many supplies are needed in the extraction of the honey but, there are also supplies that beekeepers need in order to properly manage and maintain the colonies of bees. It is important to practice beekeeping while being in security. One way that beekeepers protect themselves is by wearing protective clothing. Protective clothing includes a hat and veil, gloves and a beekeeping suit. The face is the most vulnerable part of the body that can be stung. It is extremely important for even experienced beekeepers to protect their faces with a hat and veil. The beekeeping suit consists of a light weight, white full length suit. It is not easily penetrable by the bee’s stinger protecting the beekeeper from the bee’s venom. Although some beekeepers find wearing gloves too cumbersome while performing delicate beekeeping tasks, gloves serve as an important part of protecting beekeeper’s hands while working with the colony. Most beekeepers also use a "smoker" as a way to calm the bees in order to work with them. This is one of the beekeeper supplies that are used in a way that could help protect the beekeeper. A smoker is a device that is designed to emit smoke by using various fuels. Many different natural types of fuel can be used in a smoker. Some beekeepers use fuels like hessian, twine, burlap, pine needles, corrugated card-board, or rotten wood. Beekeepers can also use fuels like pulped paper and compressed cotton, or even aerosol cans of smoke. The smoke initiates a feeding response within the bees in preparation to possibly having to leave the hive due to a fire. The smoke also masks the alarm pheromones that are released by the colony’s guard bees when they sense an intruder. As the colony is confused, the beekeeper has an opportunity to open the hive and work without triggering a defensive reaction. Although bees are more than capable of finding food on their own, some beekeepers supplement their bee’s diet with sugar syrup. This prevents starvation during bad times of the year and it also stimulates the laying of eggs. In order for beekeepers to feed their bees they use a feeder. Different kinds of feeders are available to beekeepers. Hive top, pail or division boards can be used as inside feeders during the winter. During the summer when the bees are most active outside of the hive, an entrance feeder can be used.