If you are a beginner or involved in activities like unloading numerous hives from a truck with a significant number of bees in the vicinity, it is essential to prioritize your safety by wearing a complete beekeeping suit for full protection. It serves as a crucial protective gear that shields us from potential stings and ensures a safe and enjoyable beekeeping experience. When choosing a beekeeping suit, there are several factors to consider to ensure the best fit and maximum protection.

The Role of a Beekeeping Suit

Beekeeping, or apiculture, is an exciting journey. The thrill of working with these essential creatures and the sweet reward of honey make it a worthwhile venture. However, dealing with hundreds, even thousands, of bees isn’t a stroll in the park.

In reality, bees only resort to stinging when they perceive a threat to their hive. Placing yourself in their position, you can understand that the presence of a large person disturbing their home might naturally trigger a defensive response. Therefore, it is essential to exercise empathy towards the bees and prioritize their well-being by investing in a beekeeping suit. By doing so, you provide yourself with protection against their defensive reactions when they feel their habitat is under attack.

Made from durable fabrics like cotton, polyester, or a combination of both, the beekeeping suit serves as a formidable barrier against bee stings. The suit is intentionally designed with a loose fit, creating a space between the garment and your skin to effectively prevent bee stings from reaching your body. Who would have thought that a bit of extra room in a suit could mean the difference between a day well spent and a disastrous one?

Choosing a Beekeeping Suit

Opt for light-colored fabric. Choosing lighter hues such as white or khaki is advisable since they are less intimidating to bees. These colors do not resemble the dark tones of their natural predators, like bears and raccoons.

Select a smooth-textured material. It is preferable to opt for a beekeeping suit made from smooth fabric. Rough or fuzzy textures can resemble the coats of the bees’ natural enemies, making them more likely to perceive a threat.

Prioritize breathable fabric. Given that a beekeeping suit covers you from head to toe, comfort can be an issue in certain conditions. It can become uncomfortably hot inside the suit, especially during summer. It is crucial to choose a suit crafted from breathable fabric that allows air circulation, enabling you to work comfortably with the bees even on warm days.

Ensure a proper fit. An ill-fitting beekeeping suit will fail to fulfill its primary purpose of protecting you. The veil or face covering should be secured away from your face to prevent bees from stinging through the mesh. The rest of the suit should have a loose fit for the same reason. However, it’s also important to have freedom of movement to prevent awkwardness and avoid tripping over excess fabric.

Balance the cost and quality. While you may be tempted to opt for the cheapest option available, keep in mind that a high-quality beekeeping suit is a long-term investment. Assess your budget and allocate funds accordingly, considering factors such as material, durability, and protective features. Investing in a durable suit from a reputable supplier can save you money in the long run by ensuring its longevity and effectiveness.

My Top 5 Beekeeping Suit Recommendations

1. UltraBee Premium Beekeeper Suit: This gem combines lightweight comfort with excellent protection. Its breathable fabric keeps you cool even on the hottest summer days. Plus, the detachable veil makes it super convenient.
2. Natural Apiary Max Protect Beekeeping Suit: This suit means business! Made from a smooth and sturdy material, it keeps those bee stings at bay. The adjustable fit and fantastic breathability ensure you can work comfortably without breaking a sweat.
3. Humble Bee 410 Polycotton Beekeeping Suit: It’s the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. The loose fit, elasticized cuffs, and ankles offer a secure yet comfortable seal. And the round veil provides excellent visibility and protection for your face and neck.
4. Mann Lake Economy Beekeeper Suit: If you’re looking for an affordable option without compromising on quality, this suit is a great choice. Made from a lightweight fabric that keeps you cool during those intense beekeeping sessions. The zippered front makes it easy to put on, and the durable veil ensures your safety.
5. Bee Smart Polycotton Beekeeping Suit: Made from a durable polycotton blend, this suit is designed to withstand the sting of bees. Its loose fit provides freedom of movement, while the detachable veil keeps your face and neck fully protected.

Remember to carefully evaluate the features and suitability of each suit before making your final choice based on your specific needs and preferences as a beekeeper.

FAQs

What to do if you get stung by a bee?

When stung by a bee, promptly remove the stinger and venom sac by scraping with a firm object like a fingernail or credit card. Applying a cold compress can help alleviate swelling and pain. For itching relief, topical steroid ointments or oral antihistamines can be used.

If you experience severe symptoms such as throat or tongue swelling, difficulty breathing, stomach cramps, nausea, or dizziness, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that can be fatal.

For novice beekeepers, consulting an allergist regarding potential bee allergies is advisable. It is also worth discussing with a doctor the option of keeping an epinephrine injector, such as an EpiPen, on hand to treat allergic reactions to stings.

How do you clean a beekeeper suit?

Regularly washing beekeeper suits helps remove propolis, honey, and threatening spots, maintaining their cleanliness and reducing the risk of bee stings. Cotton and cotton-poly blend beekeeping suits can be machine washed separately and dried on low or hung to dry. Mesh-type suits can only be rinsed with a hose. The veil should be removed and hand-washed separately, then air-dried.

Is it possible to get stung while wearing a beekeeper suit?

While beekeeper suits significantly reduce the risk of stings, it is important to note that no suit is entirely sting-proof. A proper fit is vital, ensuring the suit isn’t too tight and has secure cinching at the wrists and ankles. It is also important to properly fix detachable hoods and veils to the suit when wearing them.

When worn correctly with a loose and baggy fit, beekeeper suits also provide protection against wasps. It is advisable to wear a full cover suit and gloves when dealing with wasps.