Worldwide Beekeeping
Beekeeping => General Beekeeping => Topic started by: gtrr4 on June 18, 2015, 03:09:02 pm
-
So on those hot days when you don't want to put your coat on does anyone wear something else that still gives them good protection from a possible bee sting on these hot days?
-
On hot days, for me, I wear a tank top, mid cut pants that are cut about the knee and then rubber band the bottom of each pant leg. Then I have a head net that has a pull string, so I put on a savannah type straw hat or a ball cap and put the veil over the hat and cinch it into my neck. The head net should fit loosely and comfortable.
However, if I get into a hive that is snarky and I've taken a sting or two right away, I get my bee shirt on.
http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Will-Camouflage-Beekeeping-Anti-mosquito/dp/B00YJ9K7NI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1434655066&sr=8-7&keywords=beekeeper+head+veil
http://www.amazon.com/NATURAL-APIARY%C2%AE-BEEKEEPING-DELUXE-JACKET/dp/B00V6D8VKQ/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1434655066&sr=8-18-spons&keywords=beekeeper+head+veil
-
SWIM TRUNKS :yes: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
Need a pic of that Iddee :D
-
SWIM TRUNKS :yes: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
With all the rain I could of filled a small pool by now. And with how hot it is it would makes sense (if the pool was close by). I just have this aurora the girls like to tickle me, even when I talk to them. So I think I have heard the the girls can not get a hold of nylon material to sting (like wind pants). So I was wondering if there was anything else like tbat , that is still cool to wear.
-
My bees are little angels for the most part. I don't even own a bee suit, just a 40 year old pith helmet and veil that I use about once a year. For those occasions when they're likely to be cranky (like when making up Nucs) I put on a white dress shirt from the thrift store. The tight weave and white colour seems to discourage stings.
-
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs6.postimg.cc%2Fgmtb55xnh%2FIMG_0976.jpg&hash=0c27f01e70484374dbdb4dca81e62a499d7e4501) (http://postimg.cc/image/gmtb55xnh/)
Protection, who needs protection? They got me four times in my right hand yesterday, once through my jeans and twice on my left hand. Finally gave up and put on my gloves. Hoping I don't have to cut the ring off :'(
-
I had days like that Les :sad: Did all those stings come from the same hive?
-
You can get ventilated jackets or suits. It is layers of netted material that lets air flow through and keeps the wearer cool.
-
I start out with a veil and t-shirt and shorts. If they end up getting me in the arm, I have an old white, cotton dress shirt I will throw on. That seems to do just fine. Haven't had any problems with them crawling up my shorts yet, but I know there are those who could really tell some stories about that.
-
Lborou and I both keep Bweaver bees. They are a hardy lot and do well in our Texas heat, but they will put a bee jacket, veil and long pants on you. I wear starched jeans. The starch really makes it harder for the bees to sting through. Then a vented jacket with a full veil. If all is well, I can manage my bees without gloves, but when they get started on my hands, I have to go back to the gloves. I once counted 40 stingers in a leather glove.
-
Jen, the stings were all from one hive. This is the hive I requeened with a northern queen.
-
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs6.postimg.cc%2Fgmtb55xnh%2FIMG_0976.jpg&hash=0c27f01e70484374dbdb4dca81e62a499d7e4501) (http://postimg.cc/image/gmtb55xnh/)
Protection, who needs protection? They got me four times in my right hand yesterday, once through my jeans and twice on my left hand. Finally gave up and put on my gloves. Hoping I don't have to cut the ring off :'(
Got hit twice last week on right wrist on a Monday and on top of the right hand on a Saturday filling feeders. Just remember to take the ring off when you get zapped in the hand.
-
When I start working bees I go ahead and put on a white long sleeve shirt I got at a thrift store for a $1.50 and sometimes a pair of gloves.
When I start at 06:30 and don't finish until 2:00PM to 5:00 PM I just get ready.
Some hives are calm and others can be testy.
I put on my shirt with a bunge strap around my waist, a square veil, and gloves and Git'ter Dun.
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll312%2Fcapt44%2Ftall%2520hive%25202015_zpsnkjkezsc.jpg&hash=9d59a93b90530e986c01e25e918c4cc33844369d)
-
I have a light weight bee jacket with veil and light weight gloves that I bought on e-bay for a total cost of $18. They work great in hot weather. I do not mind a few stings as long as they stay away from the face area.
-
I do not mind a few stings as long as they stay away from the face area.
:yah:
-
My norm is flip flops, shorts, sleeveless shirt and a veil. If I got a hot hive I will use my golden bee suit cant beat them. 99% sting proof and air moves through them like a fan blowing on you
-
I normally wear a jacket over my bibs and gloves. When it gets real hot I go in the buff in a set of coveralls I bought when I first began. I hate being stung and I cant take head shots during the school year :D
-
Ultra Breeze.
Expensive, but worth every dime. I have not yet taken a sting through it, but it lets the breeze through... a very strange feeling to put on something and still feel the wind...
I do not typically wear any protective gear.. jeans and whatever shirt I have on etc... If I know they are grumpy, weather, no flow etc.. I put the coat on but leave the veil down until I MUST flip it up and zip it... Even then I dont usually wear gloves. Not trying to be Macho in any way shape or form.. I just prefer a few stings over the discomfort of wearing protective gear..
To be perfectly honest.. I dont dread getting stung.. but I would dread anticipating wearing the coat and veil when it was 90 degrees outside, even the ultra breeze...
Reason two... Something about the veil seriously inhibits what I can see for details.. I have a hard time seeing eggs through the veil, take it off and I can see them fine..
-
Hi Scott, I have a forest green veil and a black veil, I can see eggs much better thru the black veil than the green veil ~shrug~
I'm a jeans and tshirt kind of beek as well... but if the bees are even a bit cranky... I'll go put on my black veil. I don't mind even getting stung on the face... it's when they target the inside of my nose. Then I have to close it up no matter what, due to tears, snot, and saliva running profusely.
-
someday i will break down and invest in an ultra breeze. for me unfortunately i must wear full protective gear for now. lite weight cotton coveralls, gloves, boots and socks. i wear shorts and a tank underneath, i still sweat. like dunkel i have gone near buff under the coveralls, but one trip to the emergency room made me re-think my apparel....... :D :D :D
i will never go without a veil and smoker, and i do like mann lakes meyer gloves.
and ps.........remove any rings on your fingers unless you want them cut off.............. ;D
-
Ever since going gloveless, (about two years ago) I find my hands picking up fewer stings. The loss of senstivity due to gloves leads to rubbing and squashing of bees and that inspires stings. Especially on those really hot days, when gloves get wet from perspiration, stings have little difficulty penetrating the leather.
If it's for anything more than a short perfunctory look, I'll put on my veiled bee jacket. I don't enjoy stings on the face.
Maybe it's the sandals I usually wear that help keep the rest of my body from overheating when wearing my jacket.
-
Is there an ultrabreeze soluthuon for gloves? I usually don't wear them, but sometimes my hands get so sticky from the propolus, it is difficult to work. I sometimes use the nitrile gloves, but that makes my hands sweat too much. We need a form fitting, disposable glove that breathes.
-
I broke down and bought the Ultra breeze jacket this year. I have to say this was 145.00 well spent. Still not as cool as no jacket at all but some of my bees will require protective gear. I never know which ones it will be either.
My old goatskin gloves were getting stiff with a couple big cracks in them. I mink oiled them to soften them up. It worked, I've took about 40 stings thru the gloves since I oiled them.
Perhaps it's time for a new pair.
-
I wear a veil and a long sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up. I usually smoke myself and my hands (I don't wear gloves). I'm a backyard Beek so speed is not an issue. "Life is too short to own defensive bees"
-
i will never go without a veil and smoker, and i do like mann lakes meyer gloves.
meyer gloves??? That don't narrow it down for me...?
-
lol sc, don't get all crabby on me now......... :D
meyer stingless gloves..........they are made of goatskin, nylon sleeves, very soft and supple, here is the link:
Mann Lake Pro-Grade Goatskin Gloves (http://www.mannlakeltd.com/beekeeping-supplies/category/page130.html)
not sure why they are not advertised now as 'meyer stingless gloves'.....? used to be and as of last year. mine are not white as pictured, mine are all a very light tan color?
anyway, i like them. 8)
-
In all actuality unless you have a rather expensive specially designed bee suit that would be extremely hot not well ventilated but would protect you from the most aggressive of the Africanized honey bees anything less than that will not prevent you from being stung and even they won't on the worst of days. I always fully suit up cause I can always take it off if the bees demeanor is such on the other hand if I never wore it and I opened up a hive that changed in the Yellow Jackets it would be very difficult with an open heart live to take time to put on a suit while you're being eaten alive it is like the old adage of a gun I would rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
-
I usually smoke myself and my hands (I don't wear gloves).
An old time beekeeper that has a lot of experience and knowledge said that rubbing the cold ash from the last time that you used the smoker on the hands is more effective than blowing smoke on them.
-
Normally, if I put on gloves, I use nitrile gloves. I've got a set of leather gloves also and they are nice to have available on occasion. I bought one of Mann Lakes vented suits this year and love it. I always wear a veil, at the very least. Like Barry said, I'd rather be in the vented suit saying, "I sure am glad I wore this thing" ....than the alternative. Just because your bees aren't "normally" aggressive doesn't mean they don't have the potential to rip you a new one. :)
-
"Just because your bees aren't "normally" aggressive doesn't mean they don't have the potential to rip you a new one.
:D rrog.. that cracked me up