Content
A beekeeper's suit is a necessary attribute of equipment for working with bees in an apiary. It protects against attacks and insect bites. The main requirement for special clothing is that it is fully equipped and comfortable to use. The composition of the material and the quality of tailoring play an important role.
What are the requirements for beekeeping suits?
Specialized stores offer a large selection of clothing for beekeeping with different accessories. When working in an apiary, the suit must be functional and cover exposed parts of the body. The main targets of insect bites are the head and hands; they must be protected first. The standard set consists of a mask, gloves, overalls or jacket with trousers. You can wear any clothes, the main thing is that there is no access for bees. Gloves and a hat with a net for a beekeeper are a must.
Beekeepers give preference to a ready-made, fully equipped set. You can choose a suit of any color, the main thing is that it is the right size, does not restrict movement, and is made of high-quality material. Basic requirements for beekeeper clothing:
- The color scheme of the material from which the suit is made is calm pastel colors, brightly colored or black fabrics are not used. Bees distinguish between colors; bright colors cause irritation and aggression of insects. The best option is a white or light blue suit.
- The lining should be made of natural fabric that provides good thermoregulation. The main work in the apiary is carried out in summer in sunny weather; the beekeeper’s skin should not overheat.
- The fabric should not allow moisture to pass through. This criterion is especially important if the summer is rainy and work with the swarm is necessary. The beekeeper will feel comfortable in waterproof clothing.
- To prevent clothing from catching fire when using a smoker, choose a fire-resistant material.
- The fabric is smooth and lint-free to prevent bees from snagging on the surface of the suit and stinging when removing it. You cannot work in woolen or knitted clothes; folds and pockets are not recommended on a bee-proof suit.
- The material must be durable to provide maximum protection.
Complete set of beekeeper protective suit
The necessary set of protective clothing for working in an apiary is selected taking into account the type of bees being bred. There are several breeds of insects that do not show aggression when invading a hive. In this case, a mask and gloves will be sufficient; as a rule, the beekeeper does not use a smoker. The main types of insects are quite aggressive; a complete set is required to work with them. The photo shows a standard beekeeper suit.
Overalls
A beekeeper's overalls are the best option when choosing workwear for an apiary.The fabric for sewing a one-piece attribute is made from dense natural fiber. It is basically linen fabric woven from double threads. There is a zipper sewn in front along the entire length of the torso. It ensures tightness, insects will not get to the open body under the fastener of clothing. For protection, elastic is provided at the cuffs of sleeves and trousers, with its help the fabric fits snugly to the wrists and ankles. The elastic is inserted at the waist level on the back. There are several options for the costume, many of which take into account the presence of a mask. It is attached to the collar with a zipper and secured in front with Velcro. When removing clothes, the mask folds back like a hood. Buy overalls 1 or 2 sizes larger than regular clothes, so that they do not restrict movement when working.
Jacket
If the beekeeper is experienced and has studied the habits of insects well, a beekeeper’s jacket can be an alternative to overalls. If the bee breed does not show aggression, the jacket is used on a hot sunny day, when the bulk of the swarm is busy collecting honey. They sew clothes from light natural fabric, chintz, white or light beige satin. The jacket is equipped with a front zipper or can be without a zipper. An elastic band is inserted along the bottom of the product and the sleeves. The collar is standing, and when the zipper is closed, it fits tightly to the neck or is tightened with a cord. The cut of the clothing is loose, not tight.
Hat
If the beekeeper does not use a standard overalls or jacket for work, then a beekeeper hat is necessary. This is a wide-brimmed headdress. A beekeeper's hat is made from thin linen or chintz fabric. In summer, the beekeeper will not feel hot in it while working; the size of the fields will protect his eyes from the sun. A fabric mesh is fixed along the edge of the headdress or only on the front side.The bottom of the mesh is tightened in the neck area.
Mask
A beekeeper's mask protects the head, face and neck from insect bites. Face meshes come in different varieties. The most popular designs among beekeepers:
- Mask "Lax" European standard made of linen fabric. There are two plastic rings sewn into it along the top and base of the shoulders. A beige tulle mesh with medium mesh size is stretched over them. The veil is inserted not only from the front part, but also from the sides; this design provides a large viewing area.
- Classic mask, made from natural material. Two metal rings are inserted to ensure good tension. The veil is sewn in a circle, covering the back and front. The bottom ring rests on the shoulders. The mesh is tightened in the neck area. In the classic version, black tulle with small cells is used.
- Coton mask. It is sewn from cotton fabric with inserted rings. The top ring acts as a hat brim. The black veil is inserted only from the front side. The sides and back are fabric.
Gloves
The standard suit set includes gloves. The main bee stings occur on exposed areas of the hands. They produce special beekeeping gloves made from thin leather material or its synthetic substitute. The professional cut of protective clothing includes a high flare with an elastic band at the end. The length of the sleeve reaches the elbow. If there is no special protection, hands are protected by:
- canvas gloves;
- household goods made of rubber;
- medical.
Household knitted gloves are not suitable for working in an apiary. They have large weaving, a bee can easily sting through them. If a professional means of protection is replaced with a improvised one, it is necessary to ensure that the insect does not penetrate into the sleeve areas.
How to choose beekeeper clothes
The beekeeper's suit should be one size larger than normal clothing so as not to create discomfort when working. Clothing must meet hygiene and safety requirements. The main purpose of protective clothing is to protect against insect bites. You can purchase a ready-made kit or make a beekeeper costume using a pattern with your own hands.
For work in the apiary, we offer European standard workwear. There are various options in the retail chain; the “Improved” beekeeper suit, made from thick, double-thread linen fabric, is in high demand. The kit includes:
- The jacket has a zipper, with a large front pocket with a zipper and a smaller side pocket with Velcro. The pockets fit tightly to the product. There is an elastic band inserted on the cuffs and at the bottom of the product.
- The protective mesh is secured with a zipper in the collar area.
- Trousers with two pockets with Velcro and elastic at the bottom.
The “Australian” beekeeper costume, popular among beekeepers. Workwear is produced in two versions, overalls and two-piece (jacket, trousers). The suit is made from modern Greta fabric. The uniqueness of the material is that the polyester thread is located at the top, and the cotton thread at the bottom. The fabric is hygienic, waterproof, and fire retardant. Cuffs on sleeves and trousers with elastic. Three voluminous pockets are sewn on with Velcro: one on the jacket, two on the trousers. The mesh is in the form of a hood, two hoops are sewn into it, the front part of the veil is zipped in a circle.The design is very convenient; the beekeeper can open his face at any time.
How to sew a beekeeper costume with your own hands
You can sew a suit for working in an apiary yourself. To do this, purchase fabric made from natural fiber: calico, cotton, linen. Color white or light beige. The cut is taken taking into account that the product will be two sizes larger than regular clothing. You will need a zipper length from the neck to the groin area and an elastic band, if it goes on a jacket and trousers, measure the volume of the hips, multiply by 2, add the cuffs of the sleeves and trousers. Sew a beekeeper's costume with your own hands.
The drawing shows a pattern for a jumpsuit; a separate suit is made using the same principle, only it is divided into two parts, and the elastic is inserted into the trousers and the bottom of the jacket.
DIY beekeeper mask
You can make your own mask for working with bees. To do this, you will need a hat made of lightweight material, fabric or straw will do. Be sure to have a wide, rigid brim so that the mesh does not touch the face. You can take it without borders, then you will need a metal hoop made of thick wire. First, a hoop is sewn into the tulle, leaving on top the supply of fabric necessary to secure it to the hat. The design is sewn without gaps, which will protect against the penetration of insects. The mesh is black, a mosquito net will do. Step-by-step recommendation for making protection using a hat:
- Measure the hat along the edges of the brim.
- Cut the tulle 2 cm longer (starting at the seam).
- Sew with small stitches.
The length of the mesh is taken taking into account allowances for a loose fit on the shoulders. A cord is sewn along the edge to secure it around the neck.
Conclusion
The beekeeper's costume is chosen at your own discretion. Standard set of workwear: mask, jacket, trousers, gloves.Overalls are considered the safest for work. The main requirement for equipment is protection against bee stings.
