What equipment do I need for Beekeeping?

Protective gear
RHBC recommends those new to beekeeping wear protective clothing so that you feel relatively confident when handling bees. This includes;
Smoker. This is probably the most important piece of protective equipment as it is used to calm bees.
Veil/overalls. Single piece suits that incorporate a veil are very popular and are more bee tight than separate units.
Gloves. Leather beekeeping gloves with long elasticised cuffs to protect the wrists work well.

Hive equipment:
Hive equipment can be purchased in kitset form or those with good woodworking skills can make their own. If making your own, precision is required so that measurements are exact to ensure correct bee spacing.
Bee Boxes. The bottom one or two boxes are called brood boxes and are where the young bees are reared and honey and pollen stored for winter. The boxes above the brood boxes are for storage of surplus honey and are called supers. Before purchasing bee boxes a decision needs to be made whether to use full depth (240mm deep) boxes or three quarter depth (185mm) deep boxes. The advantage of three quarter boxes is they are easier to lift and manipulate. Chat to several beekeepers at the RHBC for further info on the advantages/disadvantages of each size of box.

Frames: These can be either wooden or plastic.
Foundation: Wooden frames are filled with sheets of foundation, which are sheets of beeswax embossed with the worker cell pattern. Plastic frames include comb foundation as part of the frame. If they don’t come pre waxed then beekeepers need to apply molten wax.
Hive lids: To keep the beehive weather proof.
Floorboards: These may be solid timber or have a mesh insert. They should sit on runners.
Other possible equipment is a hive mat, queen excluder, plastic feeders……

The exterior of the hive is normally protected using a bee friendly fungicide and then given two coats of paint.

We strongly recommend you also purchase a copy of “Practical Beekeeping in New Zealand.” RHBC has these available at a discounted price to members.

A list of beehive equipment suppliers is given in the “About Bees” drop down box.