Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: What Do I Need In A Beekeeping Suit?

Bees sting as a self defense mechanism when
threatened. People cannot predict what will
trigger this mechanism, so all beekeepers should
wear protective gear.

Different Types of Protective Gear

Even if you have been around the bees for a long
period of time, never attempt to confront a bee
hive without the following:

-Beekeeping suit
-Head covering
-Veil
-Long hand protection (ie. gloves)

Every piece of protective gear has an important
reason for wearing it. The hat and mesh veil will
prevent bees from accessing your face as well as
the ears and neck. Bees are usually attracted to
human breath and bee stings are common around
this area.

Gloves are difficult to use when you are
attempting to manipulate the parts of the bee
hive. While you may still be stung on the hands,
some beekeepers choose to go gloveless for ease
of movement. It is better if you can acquire a
pair of long gloves that allow you to handle
objects.

The beekeeping suit will provide an extra layer
of fabric protection against the stings of the
bees.

The Beekeeping Suit

Made of light-weight and smooth material, the
suit is usually white or light coloured to
prevent the bees from being threatened. Dark
colours are associated with predators like bears.
The smooth material is a contrast from the fur of
the usual bee predators.

Maintenance of your Beekeeping Suit

It is essential that you clean your beekeeping
suit after each time you visit the hive. Bees
can smell the beekeeping suit. They recognize
that the suit has been stung and will
automatically put up a guard to defend
themselves. To reduce the event of an automatic
attack, remove stingers and venom sacks with a
cloth. For more protection, dip your hands in
vinegar.

Tips on Choosing Protective Gear

When selecting your beekeeping suit, you should
consider a few things first. Number one being
the material and colour of the suit. As
previously mentioned, it should be a light or
neutral coloured smooth material.Other factors to
consider are:
- the suit should fit you properly and
comfortably. The arm and leg holes may have
either elastic or velcro to allow for your size.
- The hat and mesh veil must have good
ventilation. These usually come in "one size
fits all".
- Check for quality. Make sure the suit has
sturdy stitching, nylon zippers that are
rustproof, and boning for maintaining shape.
- Pay the little extra for the better protection.

Constructing your Own Beekeeping Suit

It is possible to make your own suit; however, it
is important that you address all areas of your
body. A white or light colored pair of coveralls
will do the trick. However, you must make
adjustments to the coveralls to turn them into a
beekeeping suit.
The coveralls should be just a little bit big on
you. This will allow for more room between you
and the cloth, which ultimately will be covered
with bee stings and venom. The suit should reach
to the middle of your hand and over the heel of
your foot.
For adjustments, you will sew elastic at the
ankles and wrists. It is important that they are
tight, but not too tight where they will cut off
your circulation. Velcro should be sewn all
around the neck of your coverall. You can also
make your veil out of mosquito netting. Wear
tight fitting boots and gloves.

Unless you are very confident in your beekeeping
suit making abilities, you may want to look into
buying one first. There are many locations to
acquire a good quality beekeeping suit.

----------------------------------------------------
For more beekeeping suit information visit
http://www.beekeepingstarterguide.com/beekeeping-s
uit/

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=130240

>