bee jacket

randydrivesabus · July 18, 2006, 12:30:24 PM

what used to be my weak hive has pretty much exploded into a very strong and a bit hot hive. i think i need to get a bee jacket.
any recommendations?

it seems like bee jackets come with veils/hats. is there any place to just get the jacket?

Brian D. Bray · July 18, 2006, 11:07:03 PM

Bee jackets are called such because they have the veil zippered or sowen on it with waist pull ties and elastic wrist bands. If you just want the jacket go to your sporting goods store and get a windbreaker that has both the elastic wrist bands and waist pull ties. Get in in tan or off white.

randydrivesabus · July 19, 2006, 06:35:47 AM

thats a good idea Brian.
the actual sting isnt that bad but its the aftermath of swelling up and itching that gets pretty annoying. i also thought of getting one of those tyvek coverall things that they sell for painting and finding some kind of velcro to put around the wrists.

Michael Bush · July 19, 2006, 11:23:48 PM

Mine is from www.beeworks.com

amymcg · July 20, 2006, 07:58:42 AM

I got a zippered jacket from betterbee last year. Fairly inexpensive and is working great.

randydrivesabus · July 20, 2006, 08:44:57 AM

http://www.betterbee.com/products.asp?dept=1605

you mean this one? the price looks good.

Apis629 · July 20, 2006, 03:10:53 PM

I got my jacket from dadant. I didn't like the veil given it would fall against my face with the slightest breeze. The handle on the zipper also broke off with less than a year. Basicaly, their jackets aren't exaclty the best but, the square veils are excelent.

amymcg · July 21, 2006, 09:15:33 AM

Yes that's the one.

Summerbee · July 21, 2006, 03:06:42 PM

I have a dadant full suit. I wore it maybe three times, way too hot. Now I use jeans, sweatshirt, gloves, veil and duct tape... :) The square veils from dadants seem to work well, I didn't like the circulars or mesh b/c they do tend to rest against your face, (bad). Go for the beekeeping supplier suit if you don't mind the price.

Brian D. Bray · July 22, 2006, 01:27:17 AM

If you want to use a cheap reusable solution for securing your pants legs try using bicycle leg clips or strips of velcroe. Much easier to use and remove that Duct Tape.

qa33010 · July 22, 2006, 02:13:06 AM

Rubber bands work pretty good when I need them also.

randydrivesabus · July 22, 2006, 06:52:45 AM

well i'm going to swing by lowes later after i finish selling my meager produce at the farmers market today and get one of those tyvek coverall things and see if i can find velcro. its much more enjoyable and productive to not get stung. i worked a weaker hive yesterday wearing a lot of protection (lined flannel shirt and leather gloves). i was soaked with sweat and i could use windshield wipers for my glasses. but i have to say that being calm and confident allowed me to examine the hive and frames much more thoroughly.
i was in no extreme rush to close it back up and i didnt have that feeling afterwards that i wanted to look at something but forgot to because i was rushing.

melliphile · July 22, 2006, 06:03:19 PM

Any materials like flannel or wool would seem unsuitable as bees tend to get their feet caught in the knap and compels them then to sting. Aren't bees (like people) offended by animal odor,i.e. sweat? Better, methinks , to wear something light and airy. We do most inspections in the summer. The vest/ veil that Michael Bush mentioned seemed a great choice, or maybe you could find a suitable shirt and sew a zipper onto it.

Hi-Tech · July 23, 2006, 10:34:00 AM

First I bought a full bee suit with a helmet style veil. That was hot but mostly just troublesome to put on without taking off your shoes or boots first. Then I bought just a jacket veil (http://www.mannlakeltd.com/catalog/page65.html) and while that is what I currently use, it is even hotter. I like the convenience but because the back of the veil is cloth and not mesh, no air flows through it. IT IS HOT! Since I am getting used to being stung now, I may go to just a veil. Any suggestions?

TwT · July 23, 2006, 10:43:39 AM

I got this one from betterbee and love it but still have forgotten to zip the Veil a few time but it doesn't take long and the bee's remind me that I forgot,,....

http://www.betterbee.com/products.asp?dept=602

Hi-Tech · July 23, 2006, 10:53:31 AM

A friend of mine has this jacket and he complains that when he bends over, the veil moves forward and that solid peice under the veil blocks his vision downward. Does this happen to you?

TwT · July 23, 2006, 11:06:46 AM

Quote from: Hi-TechA friend of mine has this jacket and he complains that when he bends over, the veil moves forward and that solid peice under the veil blocks his vision downward. Does this happen to you?

I have never had that happen, it fits my head just right and when I look down I have never notice this, maybe I push the neck in before looking down, never noticed....... it's just comfortable to me...

Hi-Tech · July 23, 2006, 04:54:03 PM

It definately looks cooler than what I have. Cooler is important when its 100 degrees almost every day....

jerseyguy · July 24, 2006, 02:21:26 PM

Okay, here we have the basic tools for an experienced bee keeper: a smoker, to make smoke; a spatula with two different angles, and a veil for covering your face and neck, basically.

That is for an experience beekeeper, but for beginners, it's good to have an overall with long sleeves, and at the very beginning, gloves- but eventually gloves might keep you away from good perception of bees. So we experienced people, we work with the bees with long sleeves- or could be short sleeves if you feel very confident, but basically, with bare hands. So you can really have a sense of perception of the bee's temper at that precise moment.

Want more beekeeping info and free video?
http://homegarden.expertvillage.com/interviews/beekeeping.htm