Green Blog
09 February 2012
Keeping bees. Part 2: Getting the right kit
If you've decided beekeeping is for you, now's the time to order the hive and equipment. If not, there's still time to enrol on a beginners' course ready for beekeeping this year.
There are three main hives to chose from:
- The traditional cottage garden hive, called a WBC.
- A national hive, which is a series of bottomless wooden boxes stacked on top of each other.
- The plastic funky-looking beehaus.
When I started, I really wanted a pretty WBC but quickly realised that in a small space a national was easier to use.
Other essentials are:
- A beesuit for full body protection.
- A smoker can that blows smoke to calm the bees when you open the hive.
- A hive tool to get you into the hive.
A number of beekeeping suppliers take orders online or by phone. Many sell beginners' budget kits from around £350.
Make sure the pack includes a beesuit, rather than just a veil, and a mesh floor for the hive which helps to control the varroa mite. Don't buy second-hand because it could harbour diseases.
Ask for recommendations for suppliers if you're on a course. Or try your local beekeeping association.
Each beekeeper has their own preferences. I swear by Marigolds as the perfect beekeeping gloves, for example, rather than leather gauntlets.
The hive and components come flat-packed or pre-assembled. Unless you are an Ikea wizard, I'd suggest paying a bit more to get it delivered in one piece.
Next month: Buying bees.
Alison Benjamin is co-founder of Urban Bees with Brian McCallum. Their latest book is "Bees in the City: The Urban Beekeepers' Handbook" (Guardian Books, £12.99). To buy a copy, visit our Shop.
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