Keeping Bees
in Central Oregon
Necessary Equipment:
The rabbit hole is deep when looking into possible beekeeping equipment. You can make your beekeeping as simple or complex as you’d like. Here is a minimum/basic list of items you will need for keeping bees in Central Oregon:
Beekeeping Suit (don’t be a hero… unless you do A LOT of study…)
Hive Tool (get one with a “frame lifter”)
Mite Test Kit (we prefer the sugar roll method)
Mite Treatments (decide on your strategy HERE)
Feed (pollen patties, simple syrup, fondant)
Smoker (BEE CAREFUL! Central Oregon is VERY flammable!)
Epinephrin and/or Benadryl (consult your doctor; even if you do not think you are currently allergic to stings, you can still develop a serious allergy over time)
Notebook (to take fastidious notes on every hive, every time!)
Langstroth Hives
The Langstroth Hive is the most popular option for keeping bees, and the method employed by most professional beekeepers. Your first choice is whether to use 8 or 10 frame equipment (we use 10 frame at the ranch). Here are the minimum/basic components of the Langstroth Hive, listed from the bottom to the top of the complete hive:
Stand (to get the hives at least 1-2 feet off the ground)
Bottom Board with Entrance Reducer
Deep (9 5/8’) Hive Body with 8 or 10 Frames (Brood Box)
Internal Frame Feeder
Queen Excluder (our are made of metal)
Medium (6 5/8'“) Honey Super(s) with 8 or 10 Frames
Inner Cover
Telescoping Lid
Brick, Rock, and/or Strap (to hold down lid in our strong winds)
Final Thoughts
Before the bees arrive at your home, please take the time necessary to make sure you understand the following things:
Treating your bees for mites (they WILL die if you do not, and they WILL infect other hives in your area)
SAFELY handling tens of thousands of bees (they don’t WANT to hurt you, but they might…)
What weather combinations are OK for opening up your hive (no wind, no rain, warm, etc)
Decide if you want to do SINGLE or DOUBLE brood box beekeeping (we do single, but most do double)
Recognizing what’s in a cell (egg, larva, capped brood, nectar, capped honey, pollen, etc)
Recognizing SERIOUS issues, such as Foulbrood
If you are going to harvest your own honey, research all necessary steps and equipment
Consider joining the local Central Oregon Beekeepers Association (COBKA) for community and support!
Please email us if you are in Central Oregon and notice any glaring omissions and/or mistakes on this page. Thanks, and enjoy the journey!