4.1 Personal Protective gears

Personal protective gear is the clothing and equipment a beekeeper wears to prevent stings and injuries while working in the apiary. Honey bees defend their colony by stinging, and a single disturbed hive can release many defenders within seconds. Proper gear keeps the beekeeper calm, protects the face, hands and feet, and allows the colony to be handled slowly and carefully, which in turn keeps the bees calmer. The three main items covered here are the bee suit, gloves and gumboots.

4.1.1 Bee suit

A bee suit is a loose, full-body garment, usually an overall with an attached or detachable veil, that covers the whole body so that bees cannot reach the skin. It matters because the head, neck and face are the bees' favourite targets, as they are close to the breath and eyes. Example: a school beekeeping club issues each learner a white overall with a zipped veil before any hive is approached, so that beginners can learn to observe bees rather than fear them.

Features of a good bee suit

• Light colour: White, cream or light khaki suits are less threatening to bees. Dark and furry materials resemble natural enemies such as honey badgers, and tend to provoke defensive behaviour.
• Loose fit: A loose garment holds the cloth away from the skin, so a sting cannot easily reach through to the flesh. Tight clothing allows the sting to penetrate.
• Smooth, tightly woven fabric: Bees grip rough or woolly surfaces and become agitated. A smooth surface lets them slip off.
• Good ventilation: Breathable cotton prevents overheating during long inspections in the afternoon sun. A hot, sweating beekeeper works hastily and makes mistakes.
• Secure veil: The mesh must stand clear of the face and attach firmly to the suit. A veil that touches the face allows stings through the mesh.
• Sound stitching and no holes: Even a small tear at a seam can admit a bee. The suit must be checked before each use.

Putting on the bee suit correctly

1. Inspect the suit for holes, loose seams and broken zips, and mend any fault before use.
2. Wear light clothing underneath, such as a thin shirt and trousers, because bees can sting through a single layer of cloth that touches the skin.
3. Step into the overall and pull it up over the shoulders without twisting the fabric.
4. Close the main zip fully and fold down any flap over the zip.
5. Fasten the elastic or Velcro bands at the wrists and ankles so that no gaps remain.
6. Put on the hat and fit the veil, then zip the veil completely to the body of the suit.
7. Ask a colleague to look at the neck, zip joints and cuffs for gaps before walking to the hives.

4.1.2 Gloves

Gloves protect the hands and wrists, which are constantly exposed when frames are lifted and moved. Hands also work at the hive entrance and over the frames, so they are often the first part of the body that guard bees meet. Example: a farm group gives its members leather gloves with long cuffs, so that they can lift heavy honey supers without being stung on the wrists.

Choosing gloves

• Long gauntlet: The cuff should cover the sleeve of the suit so that no skin shows at the wrist. A short cuff leaves a gap where bees can enter.
• Correct size: Gloves that are too large reduce grip and may drop frames. Gloves that are too small restrict movement and tire the hand.
• Material: Thick leather gives the strongest protection but reduces feeling. Thin gloves allow better control but may allow stings to penetrate.
• Light colour: Pale leather or canvas is less provocative to the bees than dark material.
• Ease of cleaning: Gloves that can be washed lose sting scent and honey residue more easily. Old stings left in the material release alarm scent, which attracts more stings.

Using gloves safely

1. Check the gloves for holes, cracks and worn fingertips before use.
2. Put the gloves on after the suit, and pull the gauntlets over the suit sleeves.
3. Secure the cuffs with elastic or a rubber band if they are loose.
4. Work slowly, because thick gloves reduce touch and it is easy to crush bees when a frame is replaced.
5. Brush off or remove old stings and wipe the gloves with a damp cloth if they smell of alarm scent.

4.1.3 Gumboots

Gumboots are waterproof rubber boots that protect the feet and lower legs from stings, wet ground, sharp objects and crawling insects. Bees that fall to the ground often crawl upward, and ankles are a common place for stings. Example: workers at a demonstration apiary wear white gumboots with the suit legs pulled over the tops, so that nothing can climb inside.

Why gumboots are important

• Sting protection: The smooth rubber is hard for bees to grip, and a sting cannot easily penetrate its thickness.
• Sealing the leg opening: When the trouser leg of the suit is worn over the boot top and fastened, crawling bees cannot get inside.
• Protection from the ground: Boots shield the feet from thorns, stones, broken glass and wet vegetation around apiary sites.
• Protection from snakes and insects: Tall boots reduce the risk of bites from snakes, ants and ticks in long grass.
• Support when carrying loads: A full honey super is heavy, and a firm non-slip sole prevents slips and injuries.
• Easy cleaning: Rubber can be washed and disinfected easily, which helps to prevent the spread of dirt between apiaries.

Wearing gumboots correctly

1. Choose boots that fit comfortably over a thin sock, with room for the toes.
2. Check inside the boots for insects or debris before putting them on.
3. Put on the boots before the suit, so that the suit legs can be arranged over the top.
4. Pull the legs of the overall over the boot tops and secure the ankle bands.
5. Wash the soles and sides with water after each visit to remove mud and honey.
6. Store the boots upside down on a rack so that they dry out and insects cannot settle inside.

Care, inspection and storage of protective gear

Protective gear only works while it is clean, intact and ready to use. Torn, dirty or damp equipment becomes a hazard because it can admit bees or carry unpleasant scent. Example: a community apiary keeps a lockable cabinet where all suits, gloves and boots are stored after washing.

• Inspect before every visit: Look for holes, thinning cloth, broken zips and cracked rubber. Repair or replace any damaged item immediately.
• Wash regularly: Use mild soap and water, and avoid strongly scented detergents, which can irritate bees. Wash after stings, because the alarm scent remains in the cloth.
• Dry in the shade: Strong direct sun weakens fabric and cracks rubber and leather over time.
• Store clean and dry: Keep the gear in a closed cupboard or bag away from rats, cockroaches and damp, which damage fabric and cause mould.
• Keep a spare set: A second suit and gloves allow a visitor or assistant to work safely and let the first set dry between uses.
• Replace when worn: Gear that cannot be mended safely should be discarded rather than used.