latex vs nitrile gloves

wildbeekeeper · June 08, 2009, 09:12:21 PM

does anyon see a diference in using nitrile gloves vs latex gloves in bekeeping? can the bees sting through the ltex more than ntrile or vice versa? how about two pairs of latex?

I use leather now and have good dexterity but would have more tactile feeling with "rubber" gloves... would love to hear your input!! thanks!

skflyfish · June 08, 2009, 10:26:17 PM

I started using yellow latex gloves (playtex) from the get go, cause I was too cheap to buy real gloves. They can get a bit sweaty on hot days, and the propolis on the frames can makes the gloves stick to the frames a bit, but overall I like them. I have used a pair for about a year and they are about ready to get retired. I have not been stung through them. I had one try last weekend, but the stinger never got through and when I tried to scrape her off, the stinger stuck in the glove but not through it. I use the thumb loops to keep the sleeves over the gloves and none have ever climbed up the sleeve either. I do like the feel, but I can't compare because I have never used beek gloves.

HTH

Natalie · June 08, 2009, 10:29:04 PM

I can only speak for the nitrile as that is all I have ever used but I like them, they work pretty good.
I am going to buy longer ones though because I have to stop every so often to pull my sleeve over them.
Here is a site with alot of choices.

https://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/category/disposable-gloves.html

Rebel Rose Apiary · June 08, 2009, 10:35:04 PM

I never had any experience with the regular Playtex type of gloves around bees, but I have used them for detailing cars for shows! :roll: They are tough! I never though about using them for working my bees....I also get a slight allergic reaction when I use them, so I put some corn starch in there to cut down on the reaction and to help with the sweating problem.

I have used two pairs of nitrile gloves (one pair over the other) that I think came from Harbor Frieght...they came in a big box of 100! No stings using them that way, but I had one dedicated guard bee zap through and get me good using one pair while I was way the heck up there on a ladder once....used two pair ever since then.

Brenda

BenC · June 09, 2009, 12:10:44 AM

Are you asking about moving hives around or doing inspections? For moving keep the leather ones. For inspections, try something thinner. I don't usually wear gloves, but when I do, I prefer the nitrile despite the added sweat accumulation vs cloth or leather. See if you can get samples and get something that fits snug over your hand. A loose nitrile or latex glove will be a nuisance as it gets stuck under or between frames. In my experience (both beekeeping and at work) latex will tear before nitrile

Cheryl · June 09, 2009, 12:19:12 AM

I've been using latex because I have a bunch of extras I need to use up. I've been stung several times through a single layer, but when I double them I do OK. I have two different sizes: Med I wear on my hand, Lg I wear over the med. I'm a girl, I've got smallish hands. Once the latex ones are gone, I plan to try nitrile.

I can vouch for loose glove-tips getting caught in stuff. It's annoying.

On a positive note, I use my spray bottle of water (w/ cider vinegar) to spritz my fingers un-sticky now and then. Same bottle I use to spray the bees (along with smoke), and I just grab it and use it when my gloves get sticky. It helps a LOT.

dragonfly · June 09, 2009, 12:33:53 AM

My bees are REALLY hot, so I use the heavy duty beek gloves with the rubber coating on the hands for the bees, but for general puspose stuff, I always want latex over nitrile. It "moves" with your hands better.

BeeHopper · June 09, 2009, 08:38:14 AM

I have used both types, does not matter ( to me ). Does it prevent the girls from stinging or stopping the stinger from penetrating :? I can't say that it does, however, I have yet to be stung on the hands with the gloves on, also it keeps the fresh propolis off your hands, too :-D

Natalie · June 09, 2009, 01:10:11 PM

If you use cornstarch on your hands before putting on the nitrile gloves it helps absorb the sweat a little bit.

Cheryl · June 09, 2009, 09:31:45 PM

I need way more than cornstarch where I live... :-P

mgmoore7 · June 10, 2009, 08:59:46 AM

Quote from: Cheryl on June 09, 2009, 09:31:45 PM
I need way more than cornstarch where I live... :-P

Yeh, I image that powder or corn starch might help for a few minutes but with the amount of sweat that comes out of my gloves after an hour is just crazy. The finger tips sometimes get filled with water.

utahbeekeeper · June 10, 2009, 02:04:04 PM

I like working without gloves generally. I just placed into service a pair of the yellow rubber/canvas long gloves to replace my worn out leather beek gloves. When I need them, like for harvest or on an overcast 68 degree day, I like them better than leather. Easier to wash off honey and propolis. Never thought about nitrile tho . . . . interesting.