I have washed my hands in a common bleach solution prior to working the
bees.  The smell keeps all but the most determined bees off my hands.  I
have also used surgical latex gloves to keep propolis off my hands.  The
bees that attempt to sting through the latex have a tough time, but they
can get me if they are persistant.  I find that a sting now and then in
the hand is good for the arthritis.