Beekeeping has become an increasingly popular hobby and industry, and for good reason. Bees play a vital role in the pollination of crops and the production of honey, making them essential to our ecosystems and food supply. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, having the right beekeeping supplies is crucial to the success of your apiary.

In this article, we will explore the different types of beekeeping supplies, where to find them, factors to consider when choosing supplies, and tips for beginners to get started on the right foot.

No matter where you are looking for beekeeping supplies in New Hampshire, we’ve got you covered.

Beekeeping in New Hampshire

Beekeeping is an essential aspect of agriculture in New Hampshire, contributing to honey production, pollination services, and the conservation of bees.

• New Hampshire has approximately 1,500 registered beekeepers, actively managing about 20,000 colonies.
• The average number of hives per beekeeper is approximately 13, indicating that many beekeepers maintain a smaller number of hives for personal and small-scale commercial purposes.

Beekeeping Equipment

Beekeeping is a rewarding and essential practice that requires the right equipment to ensure the well-being of honeybee colonies. It is crucial to understand the necessary bee supplies before embarking on a beekeeping journey.

Beehive Components:

• Hive Boxes: One of the most vital components of a beehive, hive boxes, also known as supers, serve as the living quarters for honeybees and their honeycombs. These boxes come in different styles, such as Langstroth, top bar, and Warre hives, allowing beekeepers to choose based on their preferences and the needs of their bees. The hive boxes provide the necessary space for the bees to build their honeycombs, store honey, and raise brood.
• Frames: Suspended within each hive box, frames play a crucial role in beekeeping management. They provide structural support for the honeycombs and serve as a foundation for brood rearing and honey storage. Properly assembled frames are essential as they allow the bees to organize their colony efficiently. This organization facilitates the beekeeper’s ability to inspect the hive, monitor the health of the colony, and manage honey production.
• Bottom Boards: Acting as the base of the beehive, bottom boards provide stability and ventilation to the colony. These boards also serve as the entrance for the honeybees, allowing them to come and go freely. Bottom boards not only offer a secure foundation for the hive but also protect the colony against intruders such as pests and predators.
• Inner Covers and Outer Covers: Completing the structural integrity of the hive, both inner covers and outer covers are essential for hive management. Inner covers add an extra layer of insulation, helping to regulate the hive’s temperature and humidity. This insulation promotes a comfortable environment for the bees and assists in reducing moisture buildup. Outer covers, on the other hand, protect the hive from harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and wind. They act as a shield, ensuring the hive remains safe and secure.

Having high-quality hive boxes, frames, bottom boards, inner covers and outer covers is essential for successful hive management. It is crucial to accommodate the needs of the bees and support various stages of bee colony growth. By providing the right equipment, beekeepers can ensure the comfort and productivity of honeybees, ultimately leading to healthy and thriving colonies.

Protective Gear:

A critical aspect of beekeeping is the acquisition of top-notch protective clothing. This comprehensive guide aims to furnish valuable insights into the various types of protective gear accessible to beekeepers, helping them make informed decisions to elevate their beekeeping expedition.

Bee Suit: A bee suit stands as an invaluable piece of protective clothing, offering indispensable defense against bee stings and ensuring comprehensive coverage during beekeeping undertakings. There are two primary types of bee suits to consider:

• Canvas Beekeeping Suits: Known for their durability and outstanding resistance to bee stings, canvas beekeeping suits provide robust protection for beekeepers.
• Ventilated Bee Suits: Crafted with a breathable mesh fabric, ventilated bee suits afford beekeepers the ability to work comfortably in hot weather conditions, while still ensuring steadfast protection from bee stings.

Bee Gloves: The selection of the appropriate pair of beekeeping gloves is crucial to safeguarding hands against stings while preserving dexterity. The two primary options include:

• Goatskin Bee Gloves: Celebrated for their exceptional tactile sensitivity, goatskin bee gloves empower beekeepers to handle delicate tasks with ease while shielding against stings.
• Cowhide Bee Gloves: With their thick leather construction, cowhide bee gloves provide robust protection, assuring beekeepers’ hands remain safe throughout beekeeping activities.

Beekeeping Boots: Engineered to impede bee access to the feet, beekeeping boots comprise an essential addition to beekeeping supplies, ensuring that feet remain safeguarded during tending of honey bee colonies.

Beekeeper’s Veil: A dependable beekeeping veil, meticulously created from fine mesh, plays a critical role in shielding the face and neck from bee stings, offering optimal visibility while preventing bee contact with the skin. Please note: Many bee suits come equipped with a detachable veil.

Purchasing Options and Considerations

In many instances, beekeepers can procure a combo pack consisting of a bee suit and bee gloves at a discounted price, furnishing a convenient and cost-effective solution for acquiring indispensable protective clothing for beekeeping.

Investing in superior-quality protective gear is pivotal for beekeepers to guarantee safety and comfort during their beekeeping endeavors. Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the diverse options available for bee suits, gloves, boots, and veils empowers beekeepers to make informed decisions that will elevate their beekeeping journey.

Essential Beekeeping Tools for Effective Hive Management

As a beekeeper based in New Hampshire, it is crucial to have the right tools in order to effectively manage your hives. These tools not only make your work easier but also ensure the safety and well-being of your honeybees.

• Hive Tool: The hive tool is an invaluable instrument used for separating and prying apart hive components during inspections. Its flat blade and curved hook design allows beekeepers to effortlessly lift frames, scrape off excess propolis, and remove burr comb. The sturdy construction of the hive tool ensures that you can efficiently dismantle and reassemble your hives without causing harm to the bees or equipment.
• Bee Smoker: The bee smoker is an absolute must-have tool for calming honeybees during hive inspections. By emitting cool smoke, the smoker masks the alarm pheromones released by guard bees, pacifying the colony and reducing the risk of stings. The smoke also triggers a feeding response in bees, making them less likely to sting. In order to effectively manage your hives, it is important to keep a smoker and extra fuel on hand.

• Bee Brush: Designed with the utmost care for the bees’ well-being, the bee brush allows beekeepers to gently move bees away from specific areas during inspections. The soft bristles ensure that the bees are not harmed or stressed during the process. This tool keeps the bees calm and prevents unnecessary crushing or injuries, establishing a harmonious interaction between beekeepers and their cherished honeybees.
• Queen Marking Tools: Queen marking tools are essential for identifying and tracking the queen bee within a colony. These tools usually consist of small, colored plastic or metal markers that can be applied to the queen’s thorax. The color-coded system established by beekeeping associations provides vital information about the queen’s age and year, enabling beekeepers to easily locate and monitor her during hive inspections. This reduces the risk of accidentally harming or misplacing the queen while effectively ensuring the health and longevity of the colonies.

In New Hampshire, having the right beekeeping tools is indispensable for successful hive management. Each of these tools serves a specific purpose, contributing to the well-being of the bees and enhancing the smooth operation of a beekeeping business. By utilizing these essential tools, you can ensure the safety of your honeybees and maintain a harmonious relationship with your buzzing companions.

Hive Feeders

Beekeepers have a crucial role in providing their bees with a consistent and reliable source of food. While bees usually obtain nectar and pollen from flowers, there are occasions when supplemental feeding becomes necessary, particularly during periods of scarcity or when establishing new colonies.

Hive feeders are essential tools that empower beekeepers to offer vital nourishment to their bees. These feeders are specifically designed to hold various types of supplemental food, such as sugar syrup or pollen substitute, that can be readily consumed by the bees. By providing an accessible and controlled source of nutrition, hive feeders are instrumental in ensuring that bee colonies have the energy necessary to thrive, produce honey, and expand their population.

• Entrance Feeders: Among the various types of hive feeders, entrance feeders stand as a popular choice among beekeepers. Positioned near the hive entrance, these feeders grant easy access to supplemental food for the bees. Typically, they consist of a small container or tray with small holes or slots to prevent drowning while allowing the bees to feed. Known for their simplicity of use and monitoring, entrance feeders cater to beekeepers of all experience levels.
• Boardman Feeders: Another commonly utilized hive feeder is the Boardman feeder, particularly favored by novice beekeepers. Similar to entrance feeders, they are placed at the hive entrance and feature a small plastic or glass jar with tiny holes or slits on the lid, facilitating easy access for the bees. Boardman feeders are often used with commercially available sugar water mixes and can hold larger volumes of food compared to entrance feeders.
• Top Feeders: In contrast to entrance and Boardman feeders, top feeders are positioned directly on top of the hive, just below the outer cover. With their larger capacity, top feeders can hold significant amounts of food, making them suitable for feeding larger colonies or when substantial supplemental food is required. Equipped with floats or caps to prevent drowning, this type of feeder allows beekeepers to provide ample food without frequent disturbances to the hive.
• Division Board Feeders: Division board feeders are typically positioned inside the hive, replacing one or more frames in the brood nest area, ensuring easy access and minimal disruption to the hive’s organization. These feeders can hold liquid feed, such as sugar syrup or pollen substitute, serving as an efficient means of nourishing the bees. They prove particularly useful during unfavorable weather conditions, such as cold or rainy periods, as they reduce bees’ exposure to external elements while ensuring their nutritional needs are met.

Hive feeders play a vital role in maintaining and promoting the well-being of bee colonies. By understanding the different types of hive feeders and their functions, beekeepers can effectively support their bees’ nutritional requirements, contributing to the overall health and productivity of the hives.

Feeding Bees: Supplementing Honeybee Nutrition

When it comes to nourishing honeybees, honey serves as their primary sustenance. However, there are situations that necessitate additional feeding to ensure the well-being and efficiency of the bees.

Sugar Syrup: Sugar syrup is widely used as a supplementary feeding option for honeybees. It is easily prepared by dissolving granulated sugar in water, making it a convenient choice for beekeepers. Here are some key considerations for using sugar syrup:

• Easy Preparation: Making sugar syrup is a simple process, requiring the dissolution of granulated sugar in water. This allows beekeepers to quickly provide additional nourishment to their bees when needed.
• Proper Ratios: To provide optimal nourishment, it is important to use the proper ratios of sugar to water. For spring and summer feeding, a common ratio is 1 part granulated sugar to 1 part water. In the fall, a ratio of 2 parts sugar to 1 part water is recommended.
• Safety: When preparing sugar syrup for honeybees, it is crucial to use only granulated white sugar. Avoid the use of honey, brown sugar, or other sweeteners as they may contain harmful substances that can negatively affect the bees’ health.

Pollen Substitute: During periods of restricted natural pollen availability, pollen substitute can be utilized to fulfill the dietary needs of bees. Beekeepers can easily obtain commercially available pollen substitutes, which can be mixed with water to form a patty-like consistency. This provides an alternative source of nutrition for the bees. However, it is important to note that while substitutes can be beneficial, natural pollen obtained from a diverse range of flowers is always the preferred option for honeybee nutrition. Here is a video of a DIY pollen feeder.

Protein Patties: Protein patties are another alternative to boost the protein intake of bees. They are typically made with a base of soy flour, brewer’s yeast, and various essential nutrients. These patties can be placed directly in the hive and supplement the bees’ diet during times of limited natural protein sources.

Probiotic Supplements: Just like humans, bees benefit from mineral and vitamin supplementation. Many of these supplements contain beneficial microflora, which can help support gut health and immunity in honeybees. Probiotic supplements can be administered to the bees to ensure their overall well-being and productivity.

Providing honeybees with a well-rounded diet is crucial for their overall well-being and productivity. While honey remains their primary source of nutrition, additional feeding through sugar syrup, protein patties, pollen substitutes, and probiotic supplements can be advantageous in ensuring their optimal health. By understanding and implementing these strategies, beekeepers can help support the health and productivity of their honeybee colonies.

Pest Control Products for Beekeepers

Effective pest control is vital for beekeepers to protect honeybee colonies from potential threats and diseases. Honeybees face numerous challenges, including infestations by Varroa mites, wax moths, and hive beetles, which can significantly impact colony health and productivity.

Varroa Mite Treatments: Varroa mites pose a significant threat to honeybee colonies, as they feed on adult bees and their developing brood. It is crucial for beekeepers to prioritize Varroa mite control to maintain strong colony health and prevent their demise.

• Chemical Treatments for Varroa Mites: One common approach to controlling Varroa mite infestations is the use of chemical treatments. Beekeepers often rely on substances such as oxalic acid or formic acid, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. These treatments effectively reduce Varroa mite populations in bee hives and minimize their impact on honeybee colonies.
• Organic Alternatives for Varroa Mite Control: For beekeepers who prefer natural alternatives, several organic treatments for Varroa mite control are available. Thermal treatments, which involve subjecting the hive to controlled temperatures, have shown promising results. Additionally, products based on thymol or certain essential oils have also demonstrated effectiveness in managing Varroa mite infestations. These organic options provide an environmentally friendly approach to pest control while delivering positive results.

Wax Moth Control: Wax moths can cause substantial damage to honeybee hives by infesting them and feeding on beeswax comb. Therefore, proactive management of wax moth populations is crucial to prevent harm to bee colonies.

• Chemical Treatments for Wax Moth Control: Chemical treatments are commonly used to control wax moth infestations in beehives. Substances like paradichlorobenzene or freezing frames have proven effective in targeting and eliminating wax moth populations. These methods help reduce the risk of damage to beeswax comb and maintain overall colony health.

Hive Beetle Control: Hive beetles can infest beehives, causing damage to the brood, honey, and overall colony health. Here are some of the methods used to combat this pest:

• Hive Beetle Traps: Various trap designs are available for controlling hive beetles. Beekeepers can choose from oil-based traps, screen-type traps, or natural traps utilizing diatomaceous earth. These traps effectively capture the beetles and prevent them from causing further harm to the colony.
• Thermal Treatments: Thermal treatments have proven to be an effective method in controlling hive beetles. By subjecting the infested hive to controlled temperatures ranging from 102°F to 105°F (38.9°C to 40.6°C), beekeepers can eliminate the beetles and their larvae without harming the bees. However, it is important to note that this treatment is labor-intensive and best suited for hobbyist beekeepers managing smaller numbers of colonies.

By utilizing these pest control products and methods, beekeepers can ensure the safety and success of their bees. Maintaining vigilance and taking prompt action when necessary will help safeguard honeybee colonies, allowing them to thrive and continue their vital role in pollination and honey production.

Extraction and Processing Equipment

Having the right extraction equipment is crucial for beekeepers to efficiently harvest honey from beehives. In this chapter, we will explore the various equipment needed to ensure a smooth honey extraction process and maintain high-quality honey.

• Honey Extractors: Honey extractors are specially designed machines that facilitate the removal of honey from honeycomb frames without causing any damage. These extractors utilize centrifugal force to spin the frames, effectively separating honey from the comb. There are two main types of honey extractors: manual and electric. Manual honey extractors are operated by hand, requiring the beekeeper to manually spin the frames to extract honey. This option is suitable for small-scale beekeepers or those looking for a more traditional approach. On the other hand, electric honey extractors are powered by electricity and offer a more efficient and labor-saving solution for larger operations.
• Uncapping Tools: Uncapping tools are essential for the honey extraction process as they aid in removing the wax caps from cells before placing frames in the honey extractor. There are various types of uncapping tools available, including uncapping knives, electric uncapping knives, and uncapping forks. These tools allow beekeepers to efficiently open the cells, allowing the honey to be extracted easily.
• Honey Filters: To ensure the production of high-quality honey, honey filters, also known as honey strainers or sieves, are used. Equipped with fine mesh screens, these filters trap impurities and debris while allowing the pure honey to pass through. By using honey filters, beekeepers can guarantee the purity and clarity of the harvested honey.
• Honey Buckets: Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and prevent contamination of extracted honey. Beekeepers store honey in food-grade buckets that meet strict food safety standards. These buckets are made of food-safe materials and feature airtight lids, ensuring the honey remains pristine until it is ready for bottling or consumption.
• Wax Melters: Beeswax is a valuable resource that can be harvested from the honey extraction process. Wax melters play a crucial role in efficiently extracting and purifying beeswax. These melters enable beekeepers to maximize their resources by melting down the wax from the extracted honey frames. By utilizing wax melters, beekeepers can minimize waste and contribute to the overall success of their beekeeping operations.
• Bottling Supplies: Once the honey has been extracted, it is important to store and present it properly. Beekeepers utilize various bottling supplies such as jars, lids, labels, and honey dispensers to achieve this. These supplies ensure that the honey is stored safely, remains fresh, and is properly labeled for sale or personal use.

Utilizing proper extraction equipment is essential for beekeepers to have an efficient and effective honey harvesting process. Honey extractors, uncapping tools, honey filters, honey buckets, and wax melters all play crucial roles in maintaining high-quality honey and minimizing waste.

By using the right equipment, beekeepers can ensure the success of their honey extraction and storage, ultimately contributing to the overall success of their beekeeping operation.

Advanced Beekeeping Equipment

Beekeeping is a delicate and complex practice that requires the use of advanced equipment to prioritize the health and productivity of bee colonies. Advanced beekeeping equipment revolutionizes beekeeping practices by enhancing efficiency, productivity, and the well-being of bee colonies.

• Queen Excluder: One crucial tool for advanced beekeepers is the queen excluder. This device allows for efficient honey extraction and helps maintain a hygienic environment within the colony. Typically made of a grid or mesh material, the queen excluder is positioned between the brood chamber and honey supers. It features openings that are large enough for worker bees to easily pass through but small enough to prevent the queen’s passage. By separating the queen from specific areas of the hive, the queen excluder ensures that honey is harvested without any potential contamination from brood cells.
• Queen Rearing Supplies: Maintaining a thriving bee colony requires the utilization of advanced queen rearing supplies. These specialized tools and equipment are vital for nurturing replacement queens and supporting the growth and development of the entire colony. Beekeepers looking to raise strong and healthy queens rely on various queen rearing supplies such as queen cages, grafting tools, and mating nucs. These tools enable beekeepers to control the breeding process and ensure the production of high-quality queens.
• Pollen Traps: Pollen traps play a crucial role in collecting pollen for the nourishment of bee colonies. Advanced traps are designed to efficiently collect pollen while preserving the integrity of the hive. By attaching these traps at the entrance of the hive, beekeepers can collect pollen as bees enter and exit. Collecting pollen not only provides valuable nutrition for the colony but also allows beekeepers to analyze the pollen for quality and diversity, providing insights into the surrounding floral resources.
• Honey Refractometer: Accurately measuring the moisture content of harvested honey is essential to safeguard its quality and longevity. The honey refractometer is a valuable device that enables beekeepers to achieve this. By measuring the amount of water in honey, beekeepers can prevent fermentation and spoilage. A honey refractometer works by measuring the angle at which light passes through a honey sample, providing beekeepers with precise information about moisture levels. With this data, beekeepers can ensure that their honey meets the desired standards and is of the highest quality.
• Propolis Traps: Maintaining hive hygiene and health is crucial for successful beekeeping operations. Propolis traps are essential tools for achieving this goal. These advanced traps efficiently gather propolis, a resinous substance that bees collect from plants and trees. By placing propolis traps strategically within the hive, beekeepers can encourage bees to deposit excess propolis, thereby promoting a hygienic environment within the hive. Propolis offers numerous benefits, including antimicrobial properties and sealing cracks and gaps in the hive.
• Hive Monitoring Devices: Integrating technology with beekeeping, hive monitoring devices equipped with sensors and probes offer valuable insights into colony conditions. These innovative devices provide essential data on parameters such as hive temperature, humidity levels, and even bee activity. By monitoring these factors, beekeepers can make informed decisions and take timely actions to ensure the health and productivity of their bees. Hive monitoring devices empower beekeepers with real-time information, enabling them to address any issues promptly and prevent potential problems.

The utilization of advanced beekeeping equipment enhances the efficiency, productivity, and well-being of bee colonies. From managing the queen’s movements to supporting queen rearing and harnessing data-driven insights, these tools elevate beekeeping practices and promote successful beekeeping operations. By embracing advanced equipment, experienced beekeepers can take their beekeeping endeavors to new heights, ensuring the thriving existence of their colonies.

Where to Buy Bees in New Hampshire

If you’re in search of where to purchase bees and nucleus hives (nucs) in New Hampshire, look no further. Here are some of the best places to find queen bees, packaged bees, and nucs in the state.

• Bee Clubs: Local bee clubs are excellent sources for connecting with reputable suppliers of queen bees, packaged bees, and nucs. These trusted connections ensure the quality and health of the bees you purchase.
• Local Breeders: Another option for purchasing bees in New Hampshire is to buy directly from local breeders. This allows you to inspect the bees and their living conditions before making a purchase.
• Online Sources: For those unable to find bees locally, online suppliers offer the convenience of purchasing bees from the comfort of your home. However, it is crucial to research and choose a reliable supplier to ensure the quality of the bees. Be cautious of purchases off of Craigslist, as many are old queens, substandard equipment, and some have disease.
• Farm Supply Stores: In addition to beekeeping clubs and local breeders, farm supply stores can be another avenue for sourcing beekeeping supplies in New Hampshire. These stores typically carry a range of agricultural and livestock-related products, including beekeeping equipment.
• Beekeeping Conferences and Events: Beekeeping conferences and events often feature bee suppliers, making them another avenue for purchasing bees and nucs. These events also provide opportunities to learn from experts in the field.

There are several options for purchasing bees and nucs in New Hampshire, from local bee clubs to online suppliers and farm supply stores. Each option has its own considerations, whether it’s the ability to inspect the bees before purchase, the convenience of online shopping, or the learning opportunities at beekeeping events.

State Association

The New Hampshire Beekeepers Association plays a crucial role in supporting and guiding beekeepers across the state through educational programs, workshops, and resources.

Here is a list of local bee clubs in New Hampshire:

• Capital Area Beekeepers Association 
• Kearsarge Beekeepers
• Merrimack Valley Beekeepers Association
• Monadnock Beekeepers Association
• North Country Beekeepers Association
• Pawtuckaway Beekeepers Association
• Pemi-Baker Beekeepers Association
• Seacoast Beekeepers Association
• Winnipesauki Beekeepers Association

Benefits of Joining a Beekeeping Club

Joining a beekeeping club can provide valuable resources, guidance, and support for new beekeepers. Experienced individuals within the club can share their knowledge and expertise, ultimately enhancing your skills and overall experience as a beekeeper.

Conclusion

When choosing beekeeping supplies, several factors should be considered to ensure that beekeepers are getting the best value for their investment. Quality is paramount when it comes to beekeeping supplies, as durable and well-made equipment will last longer and ultimately save money in the long run.

However, affordability is also a consideration, especially for beginners on a budget. Reading customer reviews and seeking recommendations from experienced beekeepers can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of different beekeeping supplies.

Additionally, beekeepers should inquire about warranty and return policies, as well as shipping and delivery options when making a purchase.

FAQ’s:

Why is it important to use quality beekeeping supplies?

• Using high-quality beekeeping supplies is crucial for ensuring the health and productivity of your beehives. They provide a safe environment for the bees, help prevent diseases and pests, and facilitate effective management of the colonies, enabling you to optimize honey production.

What are some tips for beginner beekeepers?

• Beginner beekeepers should start with the basics, seek advice from experienced beekeepers, invest in quality supplies, continue learning, and join a beekeeping community.

Where can I find reliable Beekeeping Supplies in Beekeeping Supplies New Hampshire?

• There are numerous places to find bee supplies in Beekeeping Supplies New Hampshire. You can check out local beekeeping supply stores, agricultural supply centers, or even online platforms dedicated to beekeeping equipment. It’s important to choose reliable sources that offer high-quality products to ensure the success of your beekeeping venture.

How should I choose beekeeping protective clothing?

• When selecting beekeeping protective clothing, prioritize safety and comfort. Look for a full-body suit or jacket made of durable, lightweight fabric that provides ample protection against bee stings. Ensure that the clothing has a veil or hood that securely covers your face and neck, as those are particularly sensitive areas. Additionally, gloves, beekeeping boots, and a hat can further enhance your protection.

What factors should I consider when choosing beekeeping supplies?

• Beekeepers should consider the quality, price, customer reviews, warranty and return policy, and shipping and delivery options when choosing beekeeping supplies.

How can I protect my beehives from harsh New Hampshire winters?

• Protecting beehives during winters in New Hampshire is crucial for hive survival. Ensure that your hives have proper insulation by wrapping them in insulating materials or using hive wraps.
• Additionally, consider providing supplemental food sources, such as sugar syrup or fondant, to ensure the bees have enough food to sustain them throughout the winter months.

How can I protect myself while tending to the bees?

• It is recommended to wear a protective beekeeping suit that includes a veil, gloves, and boots. This ensemble will help shield you from stings. Additionally, lighting a smoker, a device that produces cool smoke, can help calm the bees during inspections.

What should I look for in a beekeeping supplier?

• When you are looking for the best beekeeping supplies in Beekeeping Supplies New Hampshire, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First of all, you want to make sure that the beekeeping supplies you purchase are of the highest quality. It is also important to make sure that you are buying supplies from a reputable beekeeping supplier.