| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | boards is the Yellow. It's ends are broad, with only |
| Are you planning to start beekeeping? Whatever | | | | one of them curving downward. |
| your motives, pleasure and profit seekers alike will | | | | Protective beekeeping clothing |
| all need the right equipment. Doing business with | | | | Ideally, you should have a full beekeeping suit, but |
| the bees requires a unique set of tools. Here's an | | | | at the least a hat and veil to protect your head |
| introduction to some of what you will be using to | | | | and face. Some beekeepers dare to approach |
| manage your bee colony successfully. | | | | their hives without them. Once you get stung in |
| Lets talk a bit about hive tools, smokers, and | | | | the face you can expect some discomfort for a |
| protective clothing. These are not the only things | | | | couple of days. Getting stung in the eye could |
| you will need, but are at the top of the list for | | | | even blind you, so it's just not worth the risk. |
| the things you absolutely should not do without. | | | | Bee smoker |
| Hive Tool | | | | A smoker will deter the bees when you approach |
| Your hive tool is akin to a common pry bar. This | | | | the hive. It has a calming and mesmerizing effect |
| tool is designed to carry out a few different | | | | on them. It resembles a tall cylindrical kettle with a |
| tasks. Initially, it can help you pry open a hive that | | | | billow out the back. For some natural smoke you |
| might get stuck due to the bees application of | | | | can ignite pine needles or corn cobs. Any |
| propolis. Propolis is a sealant the bees use to close | | | | untainted and chemical free natural materials will |
| up gaps they think need some repair. The hive | | | | work in your favor to keep the bees and your |
| tool is designed to help you scrape and remove | | | | honey safe. |
| any sticky parts you don't want sticking. | | | | Stainless steel and copper are commonly used to |
| Additionally it can also be use to dismantle and do | | | | make smokers. While copper is more traditional, |
| your own repairs to the hive. | | | | stainless steel will be more resistant to the |
| There are different hive tools on the market to | | | | elements. Always use caution when handling a lit |
| choose from. All of your basic functions can be | | | | smoker as it will get hot. |
| performed with an inexpensive Red J. It is a great | | | | There are more tools you will need as a |
| tool for removing frames from your hive. The "J" | | | | beekeeper, but these are by far the most |
| refers to the actual shape of the tool. An Orange | | | | important. Hopefully if you are a newcomer to |
| J is an upgraded version of the Red J. You'll find it | | | | beekeeping, this has given you a better |
| is broader and somewhat sturdier. Better suited | | | | understanding of some things to expect. |
| for removing nails and cleaning out the bottom | | | | |