Safest Beekeeping suit

[Beagle23]

I just can't see to find the right level of protection in a beekeeping suit, I'm on my third and none of them make me feel safe enough to work without getting jittery.
One thing I'm really not keen on is having a moving veil that allows the bees to get close to the face. With that in mind are there any recommendations you would make?

Thanks

 

[Brigsy]

Wear a peaked cap under the veil? Are you getting hammered by them?

 

[Beagle23]

Wear a peaked cap under the veil? Are you getting hammered by them?

I wear a baseball cap but it's not quite working for me (I have quite big head, or so I'm told
Yeah getting pretty hammered, despite gentle smoking, considered movements etc. Really want to feel safe so that I can concentrate on enjoying the hobby

 

[Brigsy]

Maybe you have some dodgy bees? I see the suit as something to stop me getting dirty rather than armour. Are you squishing them with big gloves?

 

[pargyle]

I wear a baseball cap but it's not quite working for me (I have quite big head, or so I'm told
Yeah getting pretty hammered, despite gentle smoking, considered movements etc. Really want to feel safe so that I can concentrate on enjoying the hobby

I found the fencing veil type (whilst looking a bit more 'modern' than the traditional round brim type) had a tendency to get too close to my nose (well - does stick out a bit !), I changed to a good quality (BB Wear) round brim veil and I immediately felt more comfortable. The cheaper ones seem to not fit my head very well - I've got a big head as well as a nose ! - they slip about.

The best thing is to try some out ... buying mail order means you can return anything so order a few, see what fits the best and send the rest back.

As for the bees ... they really should not be making your life a misery ... if they are pinging you or stinging the suit you really need to consider getting a new queen from a less agressive strain ... Too many people give up because they become fed up of bees that are unpleasant to handle - in lots of ways. They seem to sense when you are not relaxed - probably you are giving off nervous pheremones and they can smell them ... I know it's not easy but the best advice is to approach inspections slowly, be careful, gentle and deliberate - avoid the use of smoke if you can and give the bees time to see that you are not a threat to them. A good suit and veil will help your confidence but a lot of it is down to trying to keep calm.

 

[Zante]

If it's the moving veil you're concerned about you might want to have a look at the suits they sell here in Italy. The traditional one has a rigid structure on which the veil fabric is sown. You still get all around vision, but the veil is held in rigid rectangles rather than loose.

 

[colinc]

The Americans have some suits designed for dealing with their lovely "Killer Bees" too.


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[linoleum bonypart]

I dont think its the suit that's the problem

 

[Excession]

I dont think its the suit that's the problem

This.

 

[Zante]

I dont think its the suit that's the problem

Agreed, but it could be a psychological help in feeling more calm and confident when dealing with the bees.

 

[For want of a better word]

I dont think its the suit that's the problem

Needs to be said that some varieties of bees seem to deposit pheromones onto beesuits, gloves etc... and this can lead to an angry response from other colonies of bees when approached... they must have incredibly sensitive noses!

However....at an couple of apiary meetings last year it was noticeable that one particular beekeeper seemed to be attracting a lot more interest from the girls than anyone else... he persists with his beekeeping wearing clean beesuits and thick disposable gloves... even takes a shower before donning his gear........

Perhaps the poor chap emits something that the bees do not like... negative waves or something?

Yeghes da

 

[Noddy]

Sherriff offer optional stiffeners (at no extra charge) on their veils, I have these on mine, and I do not get any problems with the veil getting near my face. I can post some pics if anyone is interested.

 

[Beagle23]

Thanks for all the responses, there are a few things I'll look into.

 

[Beagle23]

I dont think its the suit that's the problem

After three stings to the face, and with being a beginner, I thought it might be a prudent thing to ask people with experience.

 

[colinc]

Absolutely being comfortable and confident is important. Having said that I have a sheriff suit and picked up a sting on the inside of my forearm yesterday and it is smarting. It's a solid robust suit but they can still get you if you upset them. My fault not theirs....


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[drex]

When I started I was advised to buy the best I could afford, which meant a BB wear full suit, and I still use it today. Ditch the leather gloves they give for free ( or did then), which make you too clumsy. Marigolds offer some protection - the sting does not penetrate to full depth. Once more confident thin nitriles.
However, expect to be stung, as even the best are at times. Over the years it has become that I no longer react to stings.
A lot depends on your handling, and the bees. See if you can work with someone else's bees. Yours might just be extra feisty and as yet you have nothing to compare with. When I think back to the bad temper of some of the bees I had in my first year I cringe. As time has gone by I have bred for quieter bees.
Confidence only comes with experience. Ask to work alongside a more experienced beekeeper a few times. Can be a real confidence booster.

 

[Swarm]

The suit is not intended to prevent stings, bees can sting through leather gloves. Build a bit of confidence by wearing layers underneath your suit, yes you will get very hot but better that kind of sweat than the cold sweat of fear as you wait for the next sting.
I still react to stings and annoyingly it's the ones to hands and arms that swell the most, stings to the body are non events. Unfortunately my job requires dexterity so I can't afford fat hand syndrome. I wear an old denim shirt under a BB wear suit, it helps but not infallible.
If you want to be bee proof you might consider one of those wet suits the surfers wear? As for the veil, wear a baseball cap as suggested already.

 

[alldigging]

I wear a baseball cap but it's not quite working for me (I have quite big head, or so I'm told
Yeah getting pretty hammered, despite gentle smoking, considered movements etc. Really want to feel safe so that I can concentrate on enjoying the hobby

Have you had someone else with you when you inspect?
Or gone to see someone else inspect their bees?

 

[theeggman]

Have you had someone else with you when you inspect?
Or gone to see someone else inspect their bees?

Talk to your local beeks, have someone with you to 'suggest' issues, like c**p bees. Go and visit another site with the beek and see how they and you get on.

 

[theeggman]

After three stings to the face, and with being a beginner, I thought it might be a prudent thing to ask people with experience.

SORRY. I skim read the thread as we do and missed this bit. Just keep asking, we'll try to answer, some maybe c**p, some maybe exasperated BUT keep asking, you will get the answer to your problem, you just have to filter out the rubbish.