Getting kitted out for safety and comfort

Claire Waring considers the personal equipment you need when starting beekeeping.

Last month we looked at equipment to house your bees. Now we have a look at your personal requirements when you start beekeeping.

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR VEIL

The most important thing, which I consider essential, is a good veil to protect your face. When bees defend their nest and fly round the 'predator' (you), they usually concentrate on the head and particularly the eyes. Perhaps it is because of the eye movement or the contrast between the eye and the rest of the face. Whatever the reason, you need to prevent them from stinging your face.

Various veils are available. The simplest is a cylinder of black nylon net, gathered with elastic at one end and worn over a hat with a brim. Two loops of elastic or four ties on the other end are fastened under the armpits. If you know a haberdashery store, you can easily make one yourself.

Beekeeping suppliers sell a veil attached to a wide-brimmed hat. Some versions have a metal ring sewn in around chin level which keeps the net (and hence the bees) away from your face. Some 55 years ago, Brian Sherriff introduced a new detachable, throwback hood and veil. The hood has a cloth back and the net at the front is supported by flexible hoops. The original veil was attached to a lightweight, open-mesh top that came half-way down the chest. This was worn under protective overalls. The zip at the base of the veil allowed it to be thrown back when the beekeeper was not at the hive. This overcame the problem of bees finding their way in under the edge of the net in the hat-and-veil arrangement.

The 'Sherriff' beesuit has evolved and now comes in several different designs ranging from a veil and jacket to one with a full overall. Other manufacturers have copied the idea. You don't want your beesuit to be tight or it will be uncomfortable when working with the bees.