Beekeeper inventory: the necessary equipment and a list of tools for the apiary

Beekeeping is an interesting, profitable, but very time-consuming activity. Most beekeepers make their own hives and frames; work on cleaning hives, their disinfection also requires effort and special tools. Maintenance of bee colonies is impossible without beekeeping equipment. It is worth talking about the quality of the necessary tools and their purpose in detail, the information will be useful for those who want to equip an apiary.

Smoker

Used for fumigating insects. This is the main equipment for beekeeping. It is used when you need to clean the hive or move the bees to new houses, or free the bee dwelling for disinfection.

First, torches were used to fumigate insects, after which a design with 2 holes was invented, inside of which pieces of bark or wood were laid. The smoke frightens insects, they begin to fill their stomachs with honey, becoming slow and clumsy.

Modern smoker is a metal structure with a spout and a lid. The device consists of:

• from a two-layer case;
• glass with many holes in the bottom (perforation);
• air injection systems.

It can be copper (the most expensive models), made of stainless or ordinary steel, galvanized. The smoker has 3 varieties: manual, mechanical, electric.

In manual air is pumped with the help of bellows. The tool is light, cheap, you can make it yourself. The electric version is equipped with a fan. The smoker works from a network or the accumulator, it is possible to regulate intensity of giving of a smoke.It is much more expensive, and the repair requires the help of specialists.

Mechanical - in it the air is pumped by the blades, which are driven by the winding key.

The smoke output is also adjustable, the design is collapsible, it is convenient to clean and lubricate. It has a democratic value. Sometimes the blades break.

Smoke is made from paper, pine needles, pieces of bark, dung or wood. It is convenient to use oak bark, rotten remains of trees. Such smoke is harmless to insects.

Bee chisel

A simple and indispensable tool for the apiary. It is a strip of metal with expanding trapezoidal ends, one of which is bent at a right angle.The length of the chisel is about 20 centimeters, the ends are well sharpened. A handle is fixed in the middle of the metal sheet.

Used to clean the hive from the remnants of propolis and wax, clean the bottom, separate the frames.

Can be supplemented with various tools (for example, a hammer and a nail puller). The tool can be made independently or purchased in beekeeping stores. The chisel must be sharply sharpened.

Spade scraper

The tool is used to clean the bottom and walls of the hives, remove dead wood and small debris. This is a rectangular metal plate, 10 centimeters wide. The right side of the shoulder blade and the upper edge are bent at a right angle and form a low rim. Bottom and left side stay flat and sharpen.A handle made of wood or plastic is attached to the spatula so that the tool is comfortable to hold during operation.

Long brush with soft bristles

Used to sweep bees off the frames and walls of the hive. A brush with long natural bristles and a comfortable handle allows you to work quickly without injuring insects.

Important: it is better to buy a brush with a light pile, the dark color of the bristles irritates insects. Usually choose a single-row or two-row natural horsehair option.

Frame Grab

This tool is used to gently remove full and empty frames from the hive. It allows you not to touch the frames with your hands and disturb insects less. Made from stainless steel or galvanized steel. Consists of gripping elements, spring and comfortable handles. The pressure on the handles adjusts the grip strength.

Carry box

This box is made of plywood and wooden slats. It should be light, roomy and durable, equipped with a carrying strap. You can buy in specialized stores or make your own. Consists of a plywood box and a flat cover. At the bottom of the box, a tap hole is necessarily installed, several small holes are drilled in the lid for ventilation.

The lid is made flat as the boxes are often used as chairs. It is mounted on hinges and closes tightly. Usually ramonos is made for 4-6 frames. For convenience, a small pocket for storing tools can be made on the side.

This is not all the tools used by a beekeeper in his work, but this set will allow you to easily serve a small bee farm.

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