The Bee Brush is a hive inspection and harvesting tool used to gently sweep bees off frames, supers, and hive surfaces without harming them. It is an essential piece of protective and management equipment for any beekeeper in Kenya, used alongside a smoker during inspections and when removing honey frames from the super before extraction. Long, soft bristles minimise agitation and avoid crushing worker bees that can trigger alarm pheromone release and increase defensive behaviour.
What Is the Bee Brush?
The Bee Brush is a hive management tool used at the inspection and harvesting stage of beekeeping. It works by providing a gentle, wide-surface tool for sweeping clusters of bees off flat surfaces such as frame faces, super tops, and the underside of the crown board. When removing honey frames from the super for extraction, a bee brush is used to sweep off any remaining bees back into the hive before the frame is placed in a harvest container. A related tool is the Beekeeping Brush, which shares the same function and is also available from Urban Beekeepers.
What Is the Price of the Bee Brush in Kenya?
The Bee Brush is priced at KSh 650 at Urban Beekeepers in Nairobi. In stock ā no lead time. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Nationwide delivery available to all major towns. Payment accepted via M-Pesa and card. Urban Beekeepers takes bulk orders. Call 0797 764 747 or message via WhatsApp to discuss.
š¬ Order Now on WhatsApp ā KSh 650
Key Features and Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bristle Type | Long, soft natural or synthetic fibre |
| What’s Included | One Bee Brush |
| Handle | Long for comfortable reach across frame face |
| Function | Sweep bees off frames and hive surfaces without harm |
| Compatible Hive | Langstroth, Kenya Top Bar Bee Hive |
| Key Use | Frame clearing before extraction, inspection cleanup |
| Price | KSh 650 |
Who Needs the Bee Brush?
- All Beekeepers in Kenya: The Bee Brush is essential equipment for any beekeeper conducting regular hive inspections. It is used every time frames are removed from the hive.
- Honey Harvesters: Beekeepers removing honey frames for extraction who need to clear bees from frame faces before placing frames in harvest containers.
- New Beekeepers: Beginners learning hive inspection technique who need to move bees off frames gently and confidently without causing the colony to become defensive.
How to Use the Bee Brush
- Use with a smoker. Always use the Bee Brush in combination with a Bee Smoker. Smoke the hive entrance and under the crown board before removing frames.
- Brush in slow, downward strokes. Hold the frame vertically over the open hive and sweep the Bee Brush slowly downward across the frame face. Bees fall or fly off gently. Avoid fast or aggressive strokes that crush bees and trigger alarm pheromone release.
- Sweep both sides of the frame. Brush both faces of the frame before placing it in a harvest box or inspection tray.
- Keep the brush clean. Rinse the brush in warm water after each use and allow to dry. Replace the brush when bristles become stiff or misshapen.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care extends the working life of your Bee Brush and keeps it performing effectively season after season.
- Rinse the Bee Brush in warm water after every use to remove honey, wax, and propolis from the bristles. Allow to air dry fully in a clean, ventilated area before storing ā damp bristles develop mould that can contaminate frames during the next inspection.
- Avoid boiling water or chemical cleaners, which degrade both natural and synthetic bristles. Warm water is sufficient for all routine cleaning.
- Replace the brush when bristles become splayed, rigid, or permanently clumped together. A misshapen brush cannot sweep bees gently and will agitate the colony instead of calming it.
Why Buy From Urban Beekeepers?
- In stock ā same-day delivery within Nairobi
- Nationwide delivery to all major towns across Kenya
- Call or WhatsApp: 0797 764 747
- Trusted by commercial farmers, CBOs, and NGOs across Kenya
- M-Pesa and card accepted
Shipping and Delivery
Urban Beekeepers delivers countrywide to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitengela, Kitui, and all major towns across Kenya. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Call 0797 764 747 to confirm delivery timelines for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bee brush used for in beekeeping?
A Bee Brush is used to gently sweep bees off frames, super boxes, and hive surfaces during inspection and honey harvesting. Its soft bristles avoid harming bees and minimise the release of alarm pheromones that trigger defensive behaviour. It is an essential tool for any beekeeper in Kenya.
Can I use any brush to brush bees off frames?
No. Regular household brushes with stiff synthetic bristles can crush bees and trigger defensive behaviour. A purpose-made Bee Brush has long, soft, wide-set bristles designed to move bees gently without harming them.
Does Urban Beekeepers deliver the Bee Brush outside Nairobi?
Urban Beekeepers delivers countrywide to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Machakos, Kitengela, Kitui, and all major towns across Kenya. Same-day delivery within Nairobi. Call 0797 764 747 to confirm delivery timelines for your location.
