A beekeeping suit consists of a full set of protective pants and a jacket with a detachable hood and veil. They are usually white to distinguish apiarists from predators easier for the bees. A good beekeeping suit has thumb ties to help insert gloves and a zipper with heavy brass ring tabs that are easy to grip. They also have elasticated ankles and wrists to prevent bees from stinging your skin.
Prevents Insects from Stinging You
A beekeeping suit prevents bees from stinging you by keeping them away from your skin. The suit also helps prevent the spread of bee venom, which can cause serious health issues, including itchy skin, swelling, weakening heartbeat, and nausea.
The bee suits are typically made of breathable materials like cotton and mesh to help keep you cool during long work sessions. They also have hoods, gloves, and sleeves that protect your face, wrists, and ankles. Some beekeepers prefer to wear a full suit, while others use it only for certain tasks. If you purchase a beekeeping suit & veil, it’s important to find one that fits properly and is comfortable. A suit that’s too loose could allow a bee to get inside and sting you. It’s also important to purchase a suit in a dark color since it will become soiled quickly with propolis, dirt, and moisture.
Protects You From Bee Stings
Whether you wear a full suit or just a jacket and veil, wearing protective gear significantly reduces your risk of getting stung. You can also avoid being stung by keeping calm around your bees and watching their behavior, especially when they buzz agitatedly.
A beekeeper’s suit can be made from various materials, including ventilated suits designed for warm weather with synthetic foam sandwiched between layers. These suits are comfortable and easy to put on. Others are constructed from woven cotton fabric, which allows the suit to breathe.
Most beekeepers use a full suit and then gradually transition to a jacket and veil. A good jacket and veil design offers a lot of protection, and you can choose from various styles of veils that attach to your jacket or suit with a zipper. Some have a round veil that stays far away from your face, while others form a cylinder or fencing style and are easily removable for washing.
Keeps You Clean
A beekeeping suit usually comprises fabric and mesh covering you from head to ankle. It has a hood that can be attached to the jacket or draped over the head, and it comes with a veil that shields you from bees while allowing you to see where you’re going.
Wearing protective clothing during hive inspections will raise your body temperature and cause you to sweat. If the moisture clings to the fabric, it could promote mildew or mold growth. Regular washing will prevent this and protect you from the health risks of breathing in these substances.
When washing your beekeeping suit, follow the garment care instructions on the label. It’s also important to pre-treat any stains before washing the garment. Using a stain remover will increase the likelihood of the stains coming out during the wash cycle. After the wash cycle, rinse your bee suit thoroughly to ensure that all of the detergents have been removed.
Keeps You Safe
A beekeeping suit protects you from stings and insects that seek to infect or attack you. They are available in various colors and materials, so you can select one that suits your preference. In addition to their ability to reduce stings, beekeeping suits help you work more efficiently. Being comfortable while working in the hives means you can spend more time conducting a full and thorough inspection.
Many beekeepers wear ventilated beekeeping suits or jackets as these offer more comfort in hot weather. Ventilated suits are made of a cotton/poly blend and contain mesh that allows air to pass through while providing excellent sting protection.
They also feature a hat and 360-degree mesh fencing veil to protect the head. These can be tucked into the jacket, making it easier to put on and providing additional face and eye protection while inspecting a hive. Other features commonly found on beekeeping suits include thumb ties to help insert the arms into gloves, zippers that can easily be engaged, and elasticated cuffs or ankles for a secure fit.