The fast-evolving vocation of beekeeping allows individuals to work directly with bees. It allows ticket holders to create bee colonies and practice the craft. This hobby is one of the fastest ways to create a small scalable business. However, like all hands-on professions, it requires a lot of calm and focus, and most of all, suitable protection. Avoidance of bee stings is the primary consideration when manufacturing modern beekeeping suits. However, as with all protective gear, there are risks involved with the fusing of technology and modern beekeeping. Identifying where the most probable stings can occur allows beekeepers to select the most appropriate equipment and be more confident in the protective gear when working directly with the bees. As a professional bee services and equipment provider, we at Safta Bee have the suits, gloves, and the protective clothing of various beekeeping service providers and have first-hand experience, along with the customer feedback, to know the gaps in the bee protective full suit.
1. Elbows and Arms
During hive inspections, the arms take the most activity because of the need for reaching, lifting the frames, and brushing the bees away, which causes a lot of movement and tight compression of the fabric.
When the bee protective full suit pulls tight over the elbow/forearm area, the space between the suit fabric and the skin is reduced. This makes it easier for a bee's stinger to get through the fabric, especially if there is no reinforced layering in that area of the suit.
2. Thighs and Knees
When near a hive, one has to squat, bend, or kneel, and this puts strain on the thighs and knees. These are typical areas to receive a sting, as the material may rub against the skin.
A bee protective full suit, properly constructed, should retain its shape through those areas. However, a suit that is poorly designed or has become worn may easily become compromised in this area.
3. The Spine and Back
When working an open hive, most beekeepers don’t expect to get stung in the back, but many do. This occurs when the suit is pushed tight against the back from leaning over the hive.
Even a bee protective full suit could become ineffective in the warmer weather during long inspections. This is especially true when the suit is not spaced or breathable.
4. Zippers and Seams
Every suit is made with zips, stitching, and seams, which inherently weaken the suit. Fabric that is thin and surrounding zippers, or badly sealed gaps, can let stingers come through and can even allow bees to get into the suit.
A good bee protective full suit is made with strong stitching, covered zippers, and reinforced seams to minimize this risk.
5. Wrists and Ankles
Bees often enter protective clothing through the wrists and ankles. If the elastic cuffs are too loose, or lose their elasticity, it will provide enough room for the bees to crawl through.
The most bee protective full suit have their ankles and wrists sealed, and go to the extent of using gloves and boots in order to be fully protective.
6. Veil Connection Area
The portion of each suit where the veil connects is crucial. Any gaps, faulty zippers, or misalignment can lead to one of the most unfortunate events in beekeeping: a sting to the face or neck.
Every bee protective full suit must employ a reliable and well-designed system to prevent veil attachment failure.
How Safta Bee Overcomes These Challenges
Every design Safta Bee develops takes into great consideration the various real-life scenarios that beekeepers encounter. Manufacturing beekeeping suits, gloves, and other protective apparel, we pay attention to:
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The reinforcing of arms, thighs, and back sections
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Additional back seams and zipper guards
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Seam secure wrist and ankle closures
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Reduction of fabric of the structured type
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Design and comfort to promote even, controlled movement
We ensure that all of our bee protective full suit provide the most reliable protection in every critical area.
Final Thoughts
Any beekeeping suit is going to have its imperfections, but understanding where there are shortcomings will help beekeepers make better choices and work in a way that is more safe. With the right design, a bee protective full suit, in combination with beekeeping best practices, can significantly lessen the amount of stings that occur during typical beekeeping activities.
Better beekeeping, in our opinion at Safta Bee, is achieved with better protection. This results in more at ease bees, more assured beekeepers, and safer apiaries.