Bee suits are a main layer of defense for beekeepers, creating a physical barrier against stinging insects. While they offer good protection, stings are still possible. Various factors can contribute to a successful bee penetration, and understanding these helps beekeepers enhance safety.
How Stings Happen Through Protective Gear
A bee’s stinger is a fine, sharp appendage capable of penetrating materials. Stings often occur when the bee suit’s fabric is pressed tightly against the skin. This compression can happen as a person bends, kneels, or moves, effectively reducing the protective space between the suit material and the body. When the fabric is taut and close, the bee’s stinger can more easily bridge the remaining small distance to the skin.
The quality and condition of the bee suit material play a role. Over time, fabric can thin, particularly in high-stress areas like seams, knees, and elbows. These worn spots, or even small tears and holes, create vulnerabilities that a determined bee can exploit. Low-quality suits might also use thinner fabric with a lower GSM (grams per square meter), making them inherently less resistant to sting penetration.
Accidentally crushing a bee against the suit is another common cause of stings. When a bee is squashed, its natural defense mechanism is triggered, leading to an immediate deployment of the stinger, often through the fabric. Highly agitated bees, perhaps due to disruptive hive inspections or environmental factors, may also sting repeatedly. Additionally, bees can sometimes find their way through small openings that are not properly secured, such as gaps at zippers, cuffs, or where the veil attaches.
Minimizing Sting Risk
Selecting a bee suit with a proper fit is an important step in minimizing sting risk. A suit that is loose-fitting creates an important air gap between the fabric and the skin, which bees cannot bridge with their stingers. This air circulation also contributes to comfort, especially in warmer conditions. Choosing a size that allows for freedom of movement without pulling the fabric taut against the body is advisable.
Layering clothing underneath the bee suit provides an additional buffer against stings. Wearing thick, loose-fitting garments like long-sleeved shirts and pants under the suit adds extra material, increasing the distance a stinger would need to travel to reach the skin. This layering also helps to absorb sweat, preventing the suit fabric from sticking to the skin, which can create vulnerable points.
The material and construction of the suit itself contribute to its protective qualities. Ventilated bee suits, often made with multiple layers of mesh, are designed to be thick enough to prevent stinger penetration while still allowing airflow. Suits constructed from durable, tightly woven fabrics like polycotton blends offer better resistance than very thin cotton. Regularly inspecting the bee suit for any signs of wear, such as tears, holes, or weakened seams, is important. Promptly repairing any damage ensures the suit maintains its intended protective integrity.
Careful handling of bees during hive inspections reduces their agitation, lowering sting risk. Avoiding sudden movements and not crushing bees against the suit are effective practices. Proper donning and doffing of the suit are important; ensuring all zippers are fully closed, cuffs are secured, and the veil is properly integrated with the suit prevents bees from entering through openings. Gently brush off any lingering bees from the suit before removal, especially after leaving the hive area.