Stings on gloves

[BabyBee]

my girls were a bit cross the other day when i checked them and stung me loads of times on my gloves.

i seem to remember reading somewhere that once they've left their stings in your gloves, it seems to attract others the next time and you get loads more stings!!

is this right?

and if it is, what can i do to prevent it happening?

only a newbee so going gloveless isnt going to happen at the mo!

 

[xgeordie]

You are correct and you cannot really prevent it happening.

I assume you are wearing leather gloves? Use the nitrile disposable ones over the leather ones.

 

[greatbritishhoney]

My gloves tonight....
View attachment 4162

 

[richardbees]

That's correct...the venom pheromone/aroma hangs around.

I use Sainsburys heavy duty kitchen gloves (about £2) and "wash my hands" while wearing them in a bucket of water/detergent after each session////also occasionally soak them overnight in water/washing soda crystal solution to clean off propolis.

If tougher protection is needed i wear a pair of B&Q rubberised gloves.

Leather or suede are a waste of money!

 

[sjt]

I puffed a bit of smoke on my gloves when this happened to me, seemed to work straight away, no further interest in them from the bees

 

[Alabamaeee]

I wonder what they would do if gloves had a little Bee Quick on them?

They don't like it so either they will keep away from the gloves or become more sting crazy!

 

[Ellem]

I've heard that a spray with something like clove oil will cover the sting 'smell' (though cannot vouch for as I went the Marigold route )

 

[jimbeekeeper]

Just bin them and use marigold gloves

 

[BabyBee]

thanks folks

 

[kazmcc]

I puffed a bit of smoke on my gloves when this happened to me, seemed to work straight away, no further interest in them from the bees

Yes, a good puff of smoke is what I've been told. I don't know if it works or not though. I use marigolds, and have only ever had one attempted sting. I didn't notice it until after the inspection. Unless they happen to fall out of the glove and I've not noticed.......you've got me thinking now.

 

[beestie]

I use baby powder on leather gloves before I start - a random tip I picked up but seems to work. Occasionally wash them with saddle soap, mostly to keep the propolis off them...

 

[susbees]

Nitrile disposables (cute orange ones to make the bees smile) and the thicker blue ones with attached gauntlets for when things have to be done in bad conditions. Much prefer the former.

The other ones that work well are the pink ones from S'bury but need a gauntlet over the wrist really to work well.

I carry a bit of clove oil diluted.

 

[Winker]

Just bin them and use marigold gloves

Your having a laugh! They get me every time through marigold gloves

 

[madasafish]

If your bees sting regularly, requeen them.
If you cannot keep bees in bare hands, your bees are not fit for purpose...

I have marigolds for hard use and nitrile on top for really bad. Never had more than 5 stings from my bees. Repeated stinging = bad bees.

 

[BabyBee]

If your bees sting regularly, requeen them.
If you cannot keep bees in bare hands, your bees are not fit for purpose...

I have marigolds for hard use and nitrile on top for really bad. Never had more than 5 stings from my bees. Repeated stinging = bad bees.

they dont, think it was just how they were feeling that day

 

[MJBee]

I carry a 1 pint spray bottle that I fill with water and add 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar. Smell masks the sting scent and it can also be used to calm the bees down too.

 

[Winker]

If your bees sting regularly, requeen them.
If you cannot keep bees in bare hands, your bees are not fit for purpose...

I have marigolds for hard use and nitrile on top for really bad. Never had more than 5 stings from my bees. Repeated stinging = bad bees.

I have a Hive from Hell, She is getting requeened this tuesday

 

[oliver90owner]

Let us, and Mo, know how quickly their disposition alters, as long as the new queen is known to have a docile temperament.

RAB

 

[BabyBee]

didnt have any cider vinegar but used white wine vinegar and water mix this afternoon and i do think it has made a difference

 

[Rosti]

No reason why you cant wash leather gloves with your other gear provided you re-stretch them afterwards. Smoking does help break a stinging cycle once started, I have also tried applying some lemon grass oil instead of a wash (inconclusive).

Blue nitriles over fine kid gloves is my favoured combination for what its worth, why? simple! If you are in plastic gloves for 30 miins on a summer afternoon you will sweat and they will turn into mini swimming pools. Thin leather with disposable nitriles over is, in my opinion, the best of both. Minimal carry over contamination / soiling + a degree of sweat wicking + adequate sting protection + adequate feel.