subject: What Do I Need In A Beekeeping Suit? [print this page] Protective gear is essential for all beekeepers. It is a known fact that bees sting. While bees do not sting unless they feel threatened, they still sting and you cannot possibly know when they will feel threatened.
Different Types of Protective Gear
Even if you have been around the bees for a long period of time, never attempt to confront a bee hive without the following:
-Beekeeping suit
-Hat
- Mesh veil
-Long hand protection (ie. gloves)
Each piece of protective gear is essential, and all are crucial to wear each time. The hat and veil will protect your face. A bee sting to the face can be painful and cause serious harm, especially to the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and neck. Imagine if a bee went up your nose! Bees tend to be attracted to your breath; therefore, bee stings are common around this area.
Gloves are not as critical, as you can scrape off the bee venom. Gloves tend to be awkward when you are trying to maneuver the parts of the hive. However, stings do not feel good, so if you can find a pair of long gloves that will allow you to work easily, then wear them.
The beekeeping suit will provide an extra layer of fabric protection against the stings of the bees.
Material of the Beekeeping Suit
Made of light-weight and smooth material, the suit is usually white or light coloured to prevent the bees from being threatened. Dark colours are associated with predators like bears. The smooth material is a contrast from the fur of the usual bee predators.
Taking Care of your Beekeeping Suit
A key habit in beekeeping is to clean your suit after each use. If not cleaned, bees will smell any previous stings on the suit and automatically put up a guard to defend themselves. To remove stingers and venom, dip your hands in vinegar to avoid irritation, then wipe suit with a cloth.
Choosing Protective Gear
While choosing your beekeeping suit, consider the material and colour of the suit. As mentioned before, a light coloured and smooth textured material is important. Also keep the following in mind:
- the suit should fit you properly and comfortably. The arm and leg holes may have either elastic or velcro to allow for your size.
- The hat and mesh veil must have good ventilation. These usually come in "one size fits all".
- Quality is obviously a better investment. The suit should have solid stitching, rustproof zippers and boning will maintain the shape.
- To get the increased protection, a slightly higher price is worth paying.
Constructing your Own Beekeeping Suit
It is possible to make your own suit; however, it is important that you address all areas of your body. A white or light colored pair of coveralls will do the trick. However, you must make adjustments to the coveralls to turn them into a beekeeping suit.
As the suit will be covered with bee stings and venom, you should choose a larger suit. This will provide space between you and the cloth. the arms should reach to mid-hand and the legs should end under your foot.
Sew elastic at the wrists and ankles. The fit should be tight enough to not allow bees in but loose enough to allow the blood to still circulate. Attach velcro around the neck of the coverall.Your veil can be made out of mosquito netting. Also wearing tight fitting gloves and boots to deter the bees from gaining access under your clothes.
Do not attempt to make your own beekeeping suit if you are not confident that you can make one that will keep all the bees out. There are many places where you can buy a high quality beekeeping suit.
