There are few things more rewarding than beekeeping, however for many people just
starting out, it may be a bit uncomfortable on those first few inspections and that may be
due to bee suits. Bee suits are meant to be a second layer of skin that act as protection
when beekeeping, but many first time beekeepers make it a lot easier for bees to sting
them. We operate Safta Bee, and manufacture beekeeping suits and gloves, as well as
provide beekeeping services and products. We understand that many beginners make
the same mistakes when it comes to the bee keeper outfit, and we understand that from
experience.
Knowing what these mistakes are, can be extremely helpful and will protect you from
many stings while giving you greater confidence when working with your bees.
1- Choosing the Wrong Size
A common error for novices purchasing bee keeper suits is that they are not paying
attention to the fit. A bee keeper outfit that is too tight can make stings more likely as the
fabric is pressed to the skin. Alternatively, if the suit is too baggy, the extra fabric can
create pockets where bees can get stuck or crawl in.
The perfect bee keeper outfit will have a snug fit, but will also allow for sufficient
freedom of movement.
2- Ignoring Weak Points
When beginning, many new beekeepers assume that different parts of the suit provide
the same protection. However, the elbows, knees, thighs, and back, for example, are
more silly to be stung because of movement and compression.
Bee keeper outfit that are not designed well, and that lack reinforced areas, tend to
allow for multiple stings in the same spot. This frustrates many new beekeepers and
leads to them quitting.
3- Not Properly Sealing The Suit
Bees can get into your suit through little openings, like around the zippers, cuffs, or at
the bottom of the pants. Newcomers don't always realize how fast a bee can make it
through a gap.
A sealed bee keeper outfit should be equipped with wrist and ankle zippers, and strong
closures.
4- Wrong Underclothes
What you wear under your suit is important. If you wear thin clothing it may reduce the
protective distance the suit provides. Also, tight underclothes, dark colors, and rough
textures irritates bees.
Under a bee keeper outfit, the right underclothes help with comfort and sting resistance
while not overheating.
5- Ignoring Ventilation and Heat
Bees respond quickly to overheating and the stress, sweat, and rushed movements it
produces. New beekeepers routinely select thick, non-ventilated suits, assuming that
heavier equals safer.
With a ventilated bee keeper outfit, the bee keeper remains calm, stress pheromones
are reduced, and hive inspections become more tranquil.
6- Assuming Stings Are “Just Part of Learning”
To think that getting stung often is a part of learning is a mistake. Although a
beekeeping suit can’t provide a complete guarantee against stings, getting stung over
and over again should be seen as a sign of a defective suit, poor design, or faulty suit
use.
At Safta Bee, we think that a bee keeper outfit is a provider of comfort, not a punisher.
Learning about bees is a fun and interesting process, and should not be a painful
ordeal.
How Safta Bee Assists Beginners in Overcoming These Challenges
At Safta Bee, our beekeeping suits, gloves, and protective gear are tailored for both
beginners and pros. We merge experience with mindful construction to design suits
that:
● Are properly fitted
● Strengthen protective zones
● Retain shape while in motion
● Optimizes safety with comfort
Additionally, we assist beekeeping novices with our products and services so that
novices build confidence from day one.
Final Remarks
It's understandable to make mistakes with protective gear when first getting involved in
something. Simply picking the correct bee bee keeper outfit, and learning how to
properly use it goes a long way.
After all, the whole point of beekeeping is to make it safe and comfortable, and with the
correct protective gear, it is exactly that.