Bees, particularly honeybees, can sting through nitrile gloves, although the likelihood and effectiveness of the sting depend on several factors. Understanding the mechanics of a bee sting and the properties of protective materials like nitrile is key to ensuring adequate safety.
How Bees Sting Through Nitrile Gloves
A honeybee’s stinger is a complex, barbed structure designed for defense. It consists of a sharp stylet and two barbed lancets that work together to penetrate the skin. Once inserted, the barbs anchor the stinger, preventing withdrawal and leading to the bee’s death. The stinger itself is quite small, typically measuring around 1.5 to 2 millimeters in length.
Nitrile gloves, while offering a barrier, vary in thickness, which is measured in mils (one mil equals 0.001 inches). Common nitrile gloves range from 4 to 8 mils, with thinner options around 2-3 mils for high tactile sensitivity and thicker ones up to 10-15 mils for industrial applications. The bee’s stinger can penetrate these materials, especially thinner ones, if sufficient pressure is applied.
The type of bee also influences the likelihood of a sting. Honeybees have barbed stingers that lodge in the skin, resulting in a single sting and the bee’s death. Bumblebees, in contrast, have smoother stingers and can sting multiple times without dying. Even with nitrile gloves, the pressure exerted by a bee, or accidental compression of a bee between the glove and a surface, can facilitate stinger penetration.
Reliable Protection from Bee Stings
Given that bees can sting through nitrile gloves, more robust protective measures are often necessary, especially for those regularly handling bees. Purpose-built beekeeping gloves provide a higher level of protection due to their material and construction. These gloves are typically made from thicker materials like cow leather or goatskin, which offer more resistance to stings than thin nitrile. Cow leather gloves are thicker and provide more protection, while goatskin offers a balance of protection and dexterity.
Beekeeping gloves often feature long fabric extensions that cover the wrists and forearms, preventing bees from crawling under clothing. Some modern beekeeping gloves also incorporate synthetic blends or multi-layered fabrics, including mesh materials, designed for sting resistance and breathability. While no glove can guarantee absolute protection against every sting, these specialized options significantly reduce the risk by providing a more substantial barrier and minimizing exposed skin. Combining these gloves with a full beekeeping suit, which typically includes a veil and thick fabric to cover the body, offers comprehensive protection during hive inspections and other activities.