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  "description": "The financial outlay you need to make when starting beekeeping is less than the commitment the catalogues imply you should make. Buy wisely with compatibility and longevity in mind, but also invest in a couple of luxuries that will make your beekeeping easier.",
  "path": "/equipment-for-beginners-part-2/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-13T17:00:27.000Z",
  "site": "https://theapiarist.org",
  "tags": [
    "the post from a fortnight ago",
    "Subscribe now"
  ],
  "textContent": "This is a continuation of the post from a fortnight ago, and I recommend you start there for the preamble if you're a new subscriber (or forgetful 😉).\n\nAlthough the views I express in these two posts are primarily for people _starting_ beekeeping, there may be things of relevance to those entering their second or third year who are keen to expand their hive numbers.\n\nIt may also be of relevance to those _training_ new beekeepers, and who want to reinforce the need to choose equipment wisely {{1}}.\n\nThe financial outlay you _have_ to make when starting beekeeping is a lot less than the commitment the catalogues and websites _imply_ you should make.\n\nNevertheless, you probably will have to part with a substantial chunk of cash before you get your bees … {{2}}.\n\nYou need a hive for the bees to live in, the PPE (personal protective equipment _i.e._ a bee suit and gloves) to keep you safe and feeling confident, and a hive tool and smoker for colony inspections.\n\nThose items provide what's necessary to _house_ your bees, and to check they're still in the box in the weeks after you put them there, and not (yet) making plans to swarm.\n\nBut it doesn't end there.\n\nAlthough it _might_ not be used in your first season, you will need additional equipment to ensure you _keep_ your bees.\n\nKeep as in _keep them from swarming_ , a process that results in the potential loss of ~75% of the workers, and _any_ chance of getting a good honey crop that season.\n\nThis is the kit required for successful swarm control.\n\nUnfortunately, from a financial standpoint, this additional equipment — the easiest and least expensive option being a simple 5–frame nucleus hive — will be needed almost from the outset.\n\nWhen swarm control is required, you don't have the time to order something suitable online and await delivery. Furthermore, your beekeeping friends are likely busily applying _their_ swarm control, so may not have any spares to borrow.\n\n****Why not become a sponsor?****\n\nSponsors receive weekly posts on bees and beekeeping, many of which are for sponsors __only__. Sponsorship costs less than a coffee and a slice of flapjack a month … with discounts for an annual membership.\n\nBecome a sponsor\n\nI discussed the bee suit, gloves, and the hive tool in part 1. This week I'm going to focus on the choice of the hive, a nuc for swarm control, the smoker, and a couple of 'luxury' items that will make your early forays in beekeeping both easier and more enjoyable.\n\n### This post is for subscribers only\n\nBecome a member to get access to all content\n\nSubscribe now",
  "title": "Equipment for beginners — part 2",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-13T17:00:27.994Z"
}