{"id":5188,"date":"2023-12-22T06:34:39","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T11:34:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beekeepingfornewbies.com\/?p=5188"},"modified":"2023-12-27T20:16:10","modified_gmt":"2023-12-28T01:16:10","slug":"beekeeping-protective-clothing-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beekeepingfornewbies.com\/beekeeping-protective-clothing-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Beekeeping Protective Clothing (A Guide For Beginners)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated on December 27th, 2023<\/p>\n

Honey bees sting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have probably seen beekeepers on YouTube working their hives with little or no sting protection. Those beekeepers are usually very experienced, know how to interact with bees to limit the number of stings, learn when to walk away, and may have built up some immunity to bee venom, diminishing the extent of their reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a new beekeeper, wear protective gear until you learn how to handle the bees well enough to avoid stings as much as possible and know how well you tolerate bee venom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beekeeping protective clothing provides a barrier against bee stings: veils to shield eyes and face; suits or jackets for most of your body; gloves and boots. Choosing the right gear is crucial for an enjoyable beekeeping experience, allowing you to tend to your colonies with confidence and peace of mind.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acquire your initial protective gear well ahead of time. Check for proper fit and comfort before making your purchase decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article explains various beekeeping protective clothing options and what to look for when buying. Then, armed with that information, you can decide what you need to start beekeeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beekeeping Protective Clothing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Honey bees are stinging insects. The stinger delivers apitoxin (bee venom) to its target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The effect of bee venom varies from mild and irritating to extremely dangerous, depending on your susceptibility and the number of stings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beekeeping protective clothing is meant to shield you from the bees’ attempt to sting you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See our article Do Honey Bees Sting? Yes, The Do! (What You Should Know)<\/a><\/strong> for information on what to do when you are stung.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Beekeeping Veils<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A beekeeping veil is a fine mesh (wire or fabric such as tulle) head covering to protect your face and eyes from bee stings with minimal impact on your vision.<\/strong> A veil is a critical component of your beekeeping protective clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As you get more comfortable with bees, you are more likely to open a hive without full protective gear. However, we strongly recommend that you always wear a veil<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While bee stings to the eye are rare, they are dangerous.[1]<\/a>  There is no need to risk it. Defensive bees will target your head and face as the most vulnerable spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I once went into the bee yard for a “quick peek” inside a hive. I lifted the lid about 45\u00b0, and a bee shot out and nailed me on my eyebrow. I learned my lesson. I have been stung in the face other times when away from the apiary. Not fun.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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After a sting above my eye<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There are a few different types of veils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Round veils<\/strong> provide a full range of vision, having at most one seam on the back. With 360\u00b0 of mesh, rounded veils offer excellent ventilation. Round veils work with a helmet or hat (often sold separately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Round veils may have drawstrings or elastic on the bottom for a tight closure. They also come with zippers for attaching to bee suits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alexander veils <\/strong>are round veils that include a cloth top and an elastic headband. No hat or helmet is needed; however, many beekeepers choose to wear a cap underneath the cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Square veils<\/strong> (sometimes called folding veils) <\/strong>also go over a helmet or hat. Unlike the round veil, several seams support the square structure. These seams keep the veil far from the face, allowing a wide range of vision. Square veils fold flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fencing veils<\/strong>, also called hooded veils, zip onto a bee suit or jacket. The mesh area provides viewing in the front and part of the side. With no mesh on the back, hooded veils provide less airflow than other veils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some veils come as \u201cpull over,\u201d which combines the veil with a shoulder covering or vest for some additional protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Many suits and jackets come with attached veils. We think such an arrangement is best for a beginning beekeeper. We use a veil for quick visits to the apiary when a jacket seems unnecessary.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n