The purpose of protective equipment is not to prevent stings entirely but to let the beekeeper work calmly. A beekeeper who feels safe moves slowly and steadily, which in turn provokes the colony less.

The veil — the critical piece

Protection of the face and neck is indispensable. A sting near the eye can have serious consequences.

Two types are common:

• Round veil: Fits over a hat and holds the mesh away from the face. The field of view is good
• Fencing type: Wraps the head, light and well ventilated. The mesh surrounding the face does not touch it

Whatever the type, the critical point is the same: the mesh must not touch the face. A sting comes through mesh that is in contact.

The closures matter too. Zips, drawcords and the neck join must be bee-tight; a bee finds the smallest gap.

Suit or jacket

• Full suit: The highest protection. Suitable for beginners and for defensive colonies
• Jacket: Cooler and quicker to put on. Preferred by experienced beekeepers with calm colonies

Light colours are preferred; dark and furry surfaces increase the bees' defensive response.

Ventilated suits are made of three-layer fabric. They make working in heat markedly easier and their thickness prevents the sting reaching the skin. They cost more, but the difference is large in hot regions.

Gloves

There is a trade-off here: protection and dexterity are inversely related.

• Leather gloves: High protection, low dexterity. They also cannot be washed and accumulate propolis and spores
• Thin rubber gloves: Good dexterity, washable, cheap. Protection is limited
• No gloves: Some experienced beekeepers prefer this; movement becomes gentler and fewer bees are crushed

For hygiene, disposable or washable gloves are markedly better; they can be changed when soiled.

Footwear and ankles

This is the most neglected point. Bees climb from below and enter at the trouser opening.

• Wear boots that cover the ankle
• Tuck trousers into socks or secure them with elastic
• Do not enter an apiary in open shoes or sandals

Care

• Wash regularly. Alarm pheromone in the suit provokes the colony at the next inspection
• Check the mesh. A small tear makes the whole protection void
• Store dry. It goes mouldy in damp conditions
• Keep a spare. A torn suit cuts an inspection short