Well, it’s complicated
The internet abounds with beekeepers in their tank tops, leggings or shorts and their loose long hair curled perfectly flowing freely over their shoulders. Their makeup is perfect and they aren’t all hot and sweaty. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered what you’re doing wrong when working the bees. Why do you get stung? They sure don’t seem to. Or why do bees never get caught in their beautiful flowing long hair? Their bees always seem healthy and productive, and their suitless appearance begins to feel like a mockery. If you’ve watched many beekeeping shorts on YouTube, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.
Not wearing protective gear can be flat out dangerous!
Unfortunately, this example can set a dangerous precedent. It creates a situation where new beekeepers feel like they can approach their hive in this exact way, reasonably assuming they will have the same result. Or for more experienced beekeepers, if can create a level of shame when they reach for their beesuit yet again in their second, fifth or thirteenth year keeping bees. Don’t let anyone shame you into feeling like you need to work your bees without the level of protective gear you are comfortable with.
Wear the protective gear you are comfortable with
It is safer to learn to keep bees while you are wearing protective gear. Your focus will then be on the bees, not on the random bee flying in your face, with its “I’m going to sting you” buzz. Trust me, it happens, you CAN drop a frame. It’s not good! Bees will likely be crushed. BUT!!! You won’t get a massive cloud of bees stinging you, if you’re wearing protective gear. I am so thankful I’ve only ever dropped one frame in my approximate 12 years of beekeeping, but that one time. I was so thankful I was wearing a jacket!
The options!
There’s a few different pieces of protective gear I want to mention.
- Veil- this is probably the most essential piece of gear, and even most reasonable, experienced beekeepers wear a veil. The face is a very sensitive and potentially dangerous place to be stung. We breathe out carbon monoxide, and this is irritating to them. They can go for your nose and sting you there, which is quite a painful spot to be stung. There are several types of veils, some zip to a jacket or suit, some can be worn alone.
- Jacket- this is just a somewhat baggy jacket, typically white, although it can be other light colors, that prevents bees from stinging your torso and arms. A good jacket will have thumb loops to keep it from riding up on your arms. Now there are many ventilated options, with the Comfort Pro jacket being a very nice one, and the one that I have. I am not sponsored by them in any way. I’ll link the one I have. https://comfortprosuits.com/product/ventilated-beekeeping-jacket-with-fencing-veil-and-round-veil/ I personally prefer a jacket that has an attached veil. It’s one less area for a pesky guard bee to sneak through. You can also find my full comfort pro jacket review by clicking on the “review” section under the same link.
- Suit- this is like the jacket, but includes attached pants, somewhat like a child’s snow suit. I have one of these so that if I am working a very hot hive, I have the option to be fully protected.
- Beekeeping pants- these can be paired with a jacket to make up the equivalent of a full suit, and are a good option if you think most of the time you’d like to wear a jacket.
- Gloves- these are great for beginners, and can be thick cow hide regular gloves, all the way to thin nitrate surgical gloves that can be stung through. Cow hide is extremely thick and uncomfortable to work bees in. I have an old pair of cheep goatskin gloves that work great. I can still feel the bees through it. They can sting lightly through this pair of gloves, but I’ve found it’s the perfect balance for me.
- Shoes- shoes really can be any type of shoe, with some definitely working better than others. I wear cowboy boots, with the shank working to keep bees out of my ankle area. Some beekeepers wear rubber boots, others tennis shoes. I’ve even worn flip flops for light beekeeping tasks, although I wouldn’t recommend it! It’s quite distracting to wonder if your about to set your foot down on a bee.
- Boot bands- if you’re wearing jeans and boots, these little elastic or Velcro bands work so well to secure the pant leg to your boot, so no sneaky bees can get your ankles. It’s only happened once, but it’s a pretty miserable place to feel a loose bee! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/protective-gear/leg-straps/ Again, I am not affiliated with Mann Lake.
When should you wear protective clothing when working honey bees?
If I am in doubt, I’ll throw on my jacket and gloves. Most beekeepers don’t wear gloves when working their bees, but I have a strong reaction to getting stung, and it’s only getting worse, so I typically wear them. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone, at the expense of my hand doubling in size! Beekeepers should wear what they are comfortable in, which usually translates to what they can wear and still give their 100% attention to the bees. This differs for every beekeeper, and further differs to every hive. I like to take the time to get to know the temperament of my bees, before going with less clothing than a jacket, veil, and gloves. I certainly don’t walk up to a hive and open them up without having worked them before with minimal protective clothing. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, what you’re comfortable with, given your reaction to being stung, the location of your hive to help if you were to need it, and the temperament of your bees. The important thing for you to remember, is that you are just as much a beekeeper if you’re fully suited up, covered in white from head to toe, as if you are out there in shorts and a tank top.