NewBeekeeperInfo

Southcentral Alaska Beekeepers Association

Q. What do I need to get started?

A. Here is some of the basic equipment a beekeeper might need to begin beekeeping, along with their approximate cost.

Beekeepers hear some of the same questions each year from "newbees" wanting to give beekeeping a try.
The information below addresses some of those questions.

First of all it is a really good idea to read everything you can get your hands on about beekeeping, keeping in mind
that all methods may not apply to our northern climate, because of our short season.
Those differences are discussed at length at the Beginner Beekeepers Class in the spring.

These are a few recommended books, with more listed on the Books About Bees page.

The Beekeepers Handbook
3rd edition
by: Dana Sammataro
and Alphonse Avitabile

Guide to Bees and Honey
by: Ted Hooper

The Complete Guide to Beekeeping
by: Roger A Morse

The Prairie Beekeeping Manual
by: Dorothy Murrell
and Donald N. MacDonald

A basic hive usually consists of the following,
and costs approx. $220
You do your own assembling and painting.

Wooden telescoping cover
2 medium supers
2 deep supers
Frames & Foundation
Inner cover
Bottom Board

In addition you may need some or all of the following tools

<------ Telescoping cover
<------ Inner cover (not visible)

<------ Medium Supers

<------ Deep Supers

<------ Bottom Board
which may or may not look like this one

<----- Each super
will contain 10
frames with
foundation for the
bees to build the
comb on

<------ Smoker
approx cost: $40

<------ Hive tool
approx cost: $6

<------ Queen Excluder
approx cost:
plastic: $7
metal: $15

<------ Gloves
approx cost: $20

(Coveralls optional
price varies)

<------ Bee Brush
approx cost: $4

<------ Helmet and
Veil

approx cost:
Helmet: $15
Veil: $12

Approximate cost, if you were to buy a complete hive, plus the suggested tools listed above:
$320-$330 depending on supplier.

Then there is the cost of bees...which is in addition to the equipment and tools.
This price will depend on which type of bees you order, and which supplier you order them with.

A package of bees with a queen is:
Approximately $110

Getting started cost: approx $450.00

There are many variables:
Used equipment, if it is available. But it is not recommended you purchase used equipment unless you
                                 have an experienced beekeeper inspect it for disease, etc.
Use your own gloves and hat, a mosquito net for a veil.
You could build your own equipment (all or part).   Link: www.beesource.com/plans/index.htm
You could use another type of tool for a hive tool.
You could use a paint suit instead of beekeepers coveralls, or just tape up all openings on clothing.
You could use rolled up newspaper or a handful of green grass for a bee brush.
Just a few suggestions if you are wanting to cut costs.

<----- Frame with
foundation

Link to: Bee Supplies Page