First hive: what you need
This is our starter checklist for beekeepers who are getting their first colony (nuc or package). Exact brands and details vary; use this as a framework and adjust with your mentor or supplier. There are many items various beekeepers may recommend, and many other things we have tried; fewer are things we use regularly. The goal of this page is to list what we consider the bare minimum to get started.
Hive & frames
- Hive stand - Building your own or finding simple materials like a couple of cinder blocks is effective and simple.
- Bottom board - (solid or screened); we use both—there are pros and cons to each.
- 3 Deep boxes - Three deep boxes will provide your bees sufficient winter stores.
- 30 Deep frames - We recommend starting with plastic waxed foundation. Wood or full plastic frames are both great.
- 3 Medium boxes - You may or may not need these the first year depending on flow, but three mediums should provide sufficient honey super space.
- 30 Medium frames - Again, plastic and pre-waxed foundation is recommended to start.
- Queen excluder - Not required, but a very helpful tool we use in every hive.
- Cover - Traditional inner and telescoping covers are great. Simple double-bubble insulation and plywood also work.
Explanation of Parts of a hive
Tools
- Smoker - No need to buy fancy fuel; you can burn all sorts of things from around the yard.
- Hive Tool - Simple and reasonably priced tools can be very effective here.
- Veil and Jacket or Suit - Get what you need to be comfortable working with the bees without stress or fear of stings.
- Gloves - Many beekeepers eventually stop using gloves, but early on they can remove a lot of fear.
Feeding & support (often needed)
- Feeder - Appropriate to your setup (frame, top, or bucket—your choice); a homemade feeder is a great option here.
- Sugar - For syrup when natural flow isn’t enough (common in spring installs).
Mite management plan (before bees land)
Have an idea of how you’ll monitor (alcohol wash, sugar roll, etc.) and what treatments you’re willing to use and when. Don’t improvise entirely in August.
Site logistics
- Level, stable stand or blocks; keep hives off wet ground.
- South- or east-facing entrance if you can, with afternoon shade (Minnesota: sun is usually welcome in spring).
Build or Buy, New or Used
If you are handy with woodworking you can build all of your own hive bodies, and many other things useful for beekeeping. However, from a purely fiscal perspective that approach tends to only save you money if you are doing a large volume. Starting out, you can save money by assembling your own but building is often not worth it.
Used equipment is often easy to find and can be an effective way to save money. In general, used equipment is safe to use for your bees, but the risk is disease. Putting equipment in the freezer for three days is sufficient to kill most pests and make it safe for your bees, but a few diseases such as American foulbrood can spread through used equipment regardless of what you do to it. If you are unsure and only plan to have a couple of hives, starting with new equipment may be the most straightforward approach.
Questions? Contact us or read more on For Beekeepers.