While beekeeping has increased significantly in popularity in recent years, as a novice beekeeper it can be difficult to find good sources for beekeeping supplies. Here are the best resources for finding beekeeping supplies both for getting started in your new venture as well as those which will be needed for maintaining an established hive or apiary.

1. Do Some Internet Research

The internet provides a variety of quality resources for beekeeping information and essential supplies and equipment. Not only will you find online beekeeping guides and virtual communities of beekeepers from around the world, but you will also find suppliers for everything from the bees themselves to different styles and designs of artificial hives.

2. Join an Online Community or Forum

Joining an online beekeeping community or forum will give you access to crucial beekeeping knowledge as well as information on beekeeping equipment and supply providers. Whether the suppliers are located in your geographical area or half way around the world, other beekeepers can be an excellent source of quality referrals on well established and reputable supply houses.

3. Contact Your Local Agricultural Extension Office

Honey bees perform essential functions in agriculture, primarily the pollination of crops. As feral bee populations continue to disappear due to disease and pest infestations, local agricultural extension offices have increased their beekeeping resources. Having always been helpful to some extent, necessity has dictated that many local offices expand their available resources to encourage more local hobbyists to participate in beekeeping efforts.

4. Consult Your Beekeeper’s Guide

If you did your research well and set yourself up as a successful beekeeper, then you should own at least one beekeeper’s guide or have at least found a good one available online. These guides can be very helpful in finding beekeeping supplies. They are also usually written by experienced beekeepers who have purchased supplies through various avenues over the years. You can benefit from the experience of others who have already been through the successes and failures of early beekeeping endeavors.

5. Subscribe to Trade Catalogues and Magazines

One of the best ways to remain current in any field or practice is to subscribe to trade catalogues of magazines on the topic. These print sources can be a great place for finding suppliers of beekeeping equipment and wares. Not only will you find ads for suppliers, but there will be articles on various beekeeping topics to further your knowledge and understanding of best practices as well.

Lance Murdock is a beekeeping enthusiast and author. He lives in Los Angeles and spends his time teaching others how to setup a healthy, sustainable beekeeping hive in your backyard. For more information on beekeeper supplies, get your free mini course on beekeeping at http//www.SimpleBeekeepingGuide.com