Evergreen Botany

  Intro: Beekeeping has become more than just a hobby—it's a movement. Whether you're drawn by the promise of home-harvested honey or the satisfaction of supporting pollinator health, one thing's certain: you need the right tools to succeed . At EvergreenBotany.com , we’ve met countless first-time beekeepers who often ask the same question: “What gear do I actually need to get started?” This post answers that with a beginner-friendly rundown of essential beekeeping tools and their real-world uses. 🐝 1. The Bee Smoker No, it’s not used to harm bees. A bee smoker emits cool smoke that calms bees by interfering with their alarm signals. It helps keep both you and the colony safe during inspections. Pro Tip: Go with natural fuels like wood pellets or dried pine needles. 🔍 2. Protective Gear A full-body bee suit with a veil, plus a good pair of gloves, can give you confidence when working with your hive. Feeling safe allows you to move more gently, which bees appre...

What Is a Bee Smoker? If you're just getting started with beekeeping—or even if you're a seasoned apiarist—you’ve probably    heard of a  bee smoker  But what does it do exactly? A bee smoker is a time-tested beekeeping tool that emits cool smoke to calm honeybees , making it safer and easier for you to inspect the hive, harvest honey, or perform maintenance. It may look simple, but this tool can be the difference between a smooth session and a swarm of chaos. Why Do Beekeepers Use Smoke? Bees are highly sensitive to smell and instinctively respond to the presence of smoke. When they sense smoke: They assume there’s a forest fire nearby. They begin gorging on honey to prepare for a possible hive evacuation. This feeding distracts them and reduces their aggression. Smoke also masks alarm pheromones , reducing chances of a defensive bee attack. So, when used correctly, smoke creates a calmer environment for both bees and beekeepers. How Does a Bee...