Budget Beekeeping – It Makes Cents!

Housing and care of bees 

Here we’re looking at hive bodies, inner covers, outer covers and frames.  It’s easy to get overwhelmed here as the choices to the uninitiated are mind-boggling.  A key budget beekeeping tip is to try and get a kit deal as you’ll end up saving on the overall expense.  Going with a trusted name means the warranty and support that is available to you is priceless.   

CO-Z Beehive Starter Kit

It’s hard to go past this sweet little unit from CO-Z.  10 supers, 10 mediums, queen excluder, adequate ventilation and a weatherproof roof for around the $140 mark is a great deal.  You will need to assemble this unit and painting is recommended for environments that get very wet.  The real kicker here is its capacity.  More honey than you can poke a stick at!

Basic Beekeeping Starter Kit by Mann Lake

To get started on a budget while retaining quality is an art.  This Mann Lake start up is the ticket if you just want to dip your toe in the bee keeping game.  Pre-assembled, painted, 10 frames, gloves, veil, smoker, an essential hive tool and a beginners’ book for under the $200 mark is exceptional.  You’re also buying from one of the most trusted names in the bee game as a bonus.  

Maintenance and operation equipment 

Beekeeping Beginner’s Kit

For the complete beginner, an all–in–one kit makes a lot of sense.  You’re looking for a kit that has a smoker, hive tool and an uncapping tool.  This unit here is a winner because you get all of the above and the added bonus of a brush, entrance feeders, a frame grip and queen catchers.  Not industrial grade by any stretch but all good enough to get you going – perfect for budget beekeeping!  

Beekeeping suits

Some people love them; some people loathe them.  A few factors come into play here, namely experience and your species of bee.  Either way, it is very daunting to perform any sort of hive work without one, especially for your first time.  Here’s a few ways to get into your hive cheaply. 

This jacket and veil set up is cheap!  Note that you’ll have to use gloves and pay attention to your pants, socks and shoes.  Hard to go past.

Bee Suit Alternative

Here’s a nifty little budget beekeeping hack – try basing your suit around a coverall painter’s suit.  You can cheaply add pre-existing gloves and a face mask to get you started.  It’s probably a good idea to add a layer of protection underneath, so your denim jeans might just do the trick here.  Using rubber bands around your wrists and ankles may help to secure against any curious, wandering bees – and there are plenty of them!!  Definitely NOT recommended for aggressive hives of bees.  

Beehive Stand

You may not know it, or you may have forgotten, but your hive needs to be somehow raised off of the ground.  Old recycled pallets, hardwood posts, bricks, breeze blocks and pavers have all done a great job of this.  This is an excellent budget beekeeping idea.  Dedicated stands can get very expensive.  I have seen hot water heater stands used successfully in place of dedicated hive stands.  Here’s an example: 

Honey Extractor

Can’t resist and really want your own extractor?  This Vingli unit has found many fans at the entry point of extractors.  The choice of using deep, medium or shallow frames is an advantage at this price point.  Glass lid, height adjustability and relatively easy cranking are a bonus – again, perfect for budget beekeeping.