To tuck, or not to tuck, that is the question.
Since bees like to crawl up, many people tuck pants into their boots. Mine have elastic at the bottoms and I tend to not tuck. But when I did my last cut out, I tried the tuck in. The cutout was rough and the bees were pissing mad. I got stung several times by bees in my boots being pinched when I walked. So I don't like the tuck in option, myself.
Is tucking in just for those who don't have elastic, or during calm inspections?
I wear velcro boot bands around the bottom of my pants.
On removals with mean bees either stuff your pants into your socks or duct tape where pant and boot meet.
...JP
Do what JP says and wear 2 pairs of thick wooly socks.. keeps the stings away from the skin I find
Mick
I don't tuck or use bands. But then again I also don't do cut outs or really fire up the girls if I can avoid it :-D. Most I do is wear long pants that cover my ankles and shoes.
Keith
I've got a set of military coveralls with velcro closures at the legs and wrists, they're a pretty thick canvas like material - i havent battle tested them against angry bees yet but I bet I'd take JP's advice and duct tape them too.
Or buy some military surplus Gaiters from Cheaper Than Dirt or Sportsmen's Guide. I buy most of my wearing appearal for bees there.
12 mesquito nets for $14.97 with any kind of cap you have a veil.
I bought 8 gaiters, East German military, that locks up your pants and shoe tops very nicely.
Then there's bio hazard sleeves that make great gaunlets to keep bees from crawling up your arms, they even come with elastic closures.
I now have enough to take a full class room into the beeyard at one time.
I own some gaiters too, forgot to mention these, but, mean bees can still get past them if you don't tuck your pants in your socks, or use duct tape, which incidentally is a real pain to take off!
...JP