I am also 3 yr beekeeper and have never used protective equipment other than a
helmet and veil (I got stung in the eye once and didn't like it, but
surprisingly it never swelled up). Most of the time I handle the bees in shorts
and a t-shirt. I find that long pants are too warm and most times when I have a
long sleeved shirt on a bee will climb under the cuff and sting me when the I
move my wrist and the cuff comes down on the bee. I tried duct taping the shirt
closed but my hands and wrists get all sweaty. I find that a little bit of
smoke calms the bees and makes them very easy to work with. Smoke masks my
scent and the bees are too concerned with the hive to bother those going into
it. There are beekeepers here who don't even use the veil, but I am not that
brave.
Warren Otto
"Keeler, Lisa" wrote:
> As a newbee ( 3yrs)