Beverley
Beekeepers' Association
The
local Beekeeping Association for East Yorkshire
Back to Contents Page
Smokers,
Tools and Silly Hats
Clothing
Well fitting protective clothing and the correct equipment
are essential for you to get off to a good start. You will
feel safe and secure and so will be more confident. You
should always wear a veil to protect your face against bee
stings, particularly your nose, mouth, and eyes.
Bee suit
Many
makes are available. They are good but can be a bit pricey
(£90)
Jacket
and veil
These
are about half the price of a bee suit and perfectly
adequate.
Trousers
Whether
or not you wear a pair of over-trousers is up to you, but
initially we would recommend it in order to gain
confidence.
Veil
There are a number of different types on the market. Two of
the more popular ones are:-one which incorporates a hat and
a ring which is tucked into the top of a boiler suit or
jacket. The second incorporates a top which slips over your
existing clothing.
Boiler
Suit
Rather
than a bee suit many beekeepers like to wear a veil and an
all-in-one boiler suit. Get a slightly larger one to cover
your clothing and give you room to move.
Wellingtons
It
is well worth remembering that bees will run upwards and we
would recommend that you wear a pair of wellingtons boots
into which you can tuck the bottom of your trousers.
Gloves
As
you gain experience and know the bees which you are dealing
with you will be able to manage without wearing gloves, but
initially we would strongly recommend that you do wear
them. These may be a pair of leather gloves with gauntlets
or a pair of heavy duty latex gloves with long cuff.
Tools
Smoker
A
smoker is essential to beekeeping. Get a small one for 1
-10 hives. The more expensive the longer it will last. A
hand spray can be useful too! Some people use pure water,
others a weak sugar solution. Smoking the bees is an ‘art’
that requires practise but a ‘good smoker’ finds beekeeping
easier.
Hive
Tool
A
good hive tool is as useful as a second right hand (or left
hand if you happen to be left-handed), here again there are
two basic designs depending on personal preference, a
‘Lifter’ or 'J' shaped.
Soft
Brush
This can be a bee brush from beekeeping suppliers or
traditionally a large feather or goose wing.