The bee veil is an absolute must when working honey bees. Often beekeepers are seen manipulating colonies without a veil, but that is an exception and risky as honey bees can get out of control quickly when conditions are right. Part of this protection can also include bee gloves, although they are recommended only when heavy manipulations are needed. Full and quarter hive (bee) suits are also available in a wide variety of styles. These can be made out of various clothing available for other uses:
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2015 22:50:13 -0400
From: Mark Anderson <andersonapiaries@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Bee Suits
I’ve had good luck with the extremely lightweight Tyvek suits that you can buy at any of the home improvement centers in the painting aisle for about $10-$13. I spring for the couple extra bucks and get ones with built-in feet (like kids’ pajamas) and elastic around the wrists. Add a veil and gloves and you’re impervious. I’ve never been stung through the suit, but not saying it can’t happen. The material weighs ounces, has a tight weave but is designed to allow limited ventilation pass-through, and is disposable if it gets too dirty or snags on something.
Mark Anderson
Upper Marlboro, MD
Often the hive tool is called a “universal tool” in the bee yard. Some recommend two tools be used simultaneously for maximum effect. They are also available in several configurations.
It is usually recommended that an Epipen or other emergency device is kept near the bee yard in the very slight probability that a full-blown allergic reaction to honey bee stings occurs. See more about stings and reactions here.
A list of safety precautions has been developed by contributor David McFawn and collaborators.
