Starting a new hive

[wetkneefarm]

I've been lurking here since the fall because I want to get into bee keeping and was hoping for some helpful hints. I'm hoping you all don't mind giving a bit of advice to a raw beginner

Comments

[revsphynx]

Some beekeepers swear by scorching used hives. I've never done it myself.

Not sure what effect bleach would have. Maybe someone else could speak on that.

[plantae]

Can't speak to the old hives, but make sure you have a hive tool, as you'll need something to pry the hive bodies apart. Any style seems to work (though some people have preferences).

[cissa]

In general, re-using old hive bodies is NOT a good idea. Many diseases that bees can get will last decades in old equipment. If you can get the boxes etc. irradiated, that will kill anything nasty- if not, most beekeepers advise starting with new equipment.

[bozotkutya]

So far, we have only bought two brand new hives, all the others are re-used old ones. You definitely need to clean them. We use a gaslight(?) and sulfur. Not a bad idea to paint them, too.

Really no need to buy expensive equipment. A hive tool, a veil, a smoker, basically that's it. Can you borrow an extractor? Because that's an expensive part of the business....

Good luck!

[oehaaa]