subject: The Proper Way Of Maintaining Bee Equipment [print this page] If you are just a beginner in beekeeping, you need to work hard to learn everything you need to know. Beekeeping is not as simple as rearing honey bees. Yes, you will raise honey bees to harvest honey in the end. But, there are lots of things you should learn to become a successful beekeeper someday.
There are different bee equipments needed to get started. Some of the bee equipment you need to produce are bee hives, bee smoker and fuel, beekeeper suit, hive tool, frame lifter, pollen trap, magnifying glass, and log book.
Having the right bee equipment is imperative for every beekeeper because this will help them in working with their bees without much difficulty. In finding the right bee equipment, you can start your search from your local beekeeping supply or online. Most beekeepers prefer buying bee equipment online because this method offers them more convenience in shopping.
Different bee equipments differ in prices. If you know how to shop around, you can get great deals offered by a number of online sites. Since you will use bee equipment throughout your beekeeping business, it is only necessary to take care of your equipment.
Here is how you should maintain your bee equipment:
How to Maintain the Hive
Check your hive if there are rotten boards or corners. Replace the rotten boards if possible or reconstruct them with waterproof wood filler.
Decide to paint the hives. Choose light colors to best beat the heat of the summer.
Clean away all burr comb and propolis found on the hive.
How to Maintain Other Bee Equipment
Let the sun melt wax off the queen extruder. Remember not to scrape wax between the bars because you might bend them.
Check the combs in the frames. Replace damage combs.
If the frame is loose, you can re-glue or rewire them.
Change any equipment found in your tool bag like sting kill, gray duct tape, nails and rope.
As a beekeeper, your main concern should not only be concentrated on your bees. You should also give time to maintain your bee equipment. Just like any other things, bee equipment also requires little maintenance coming from you. Proper maintaining of bee equipment will help you extend its life. This way, you can use your bee equipment for a couple of years.
