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 its complete set and ease of use. The composition of the material and the quality of tailoring play an important role.
What are the requirements for beekeeping suits
Specialized shops offer a wide range of beekeeping clothes with different configurations. When working in an apiary, a suit should be functional in nature, cover open parts of the body. The main objects 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. Any clothes can be worn, the main thing is that there is no access for the bees. Gloves and a hat with a net for the 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 in size, does not hinder movement, and is made of high-quality material. Basic requirements for beekeeper clothing:
- The color scheme of the material from which the suit is sewn is of calm pastel colors, brightly colored or black fabrics are not used. Bees distinguish 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 fabrics that provide 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 be moisture resistant. This criterion is especially important if the summer is rainy and it is necessary to work with the swarm. The beekeeper will feel comfortable wearing waterproof clothing.
- To prevent clothing from catching fire when using a smoker, choose a fire-resistant material.
- The fabric is smooth, lint-free so that bees do not catch on the surface of the suit and do not get stung when removing it. You cannot work in woolen or knitted clothes, folds and pockets are not recommended on a suit from bees.
- The material must be strong to provide maximum protection.
Complete set of protective suit for beekeeper
The necessary set of overalls for work in the apiary is selected taking into account the type of bred bees. There are several species of insects that do not show aggression when invading a hive. In this case, a mask and gloves will be enough, as a rule, the beekeeper does not use a smoker. The main types of insects are quite aggressive; a complete set is needed to work with them. The photo shows a standard beekeeper suit.
Overalls
Beekeeper overalls are the best option when choosing workwear for an apiary. The fabric for sewing a one-piece attribute is used from a dense natural fiber. Basically it is linen fabric woven from double threads. A zipper is sewn in the front along the entire length of the torso. It ensures tightness, insects will not make their way to the open body under the fastener of clothing. For protection, an elastic band is provided on 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 at the back.There are several options for a suit, in many of which the cut takes into account the presence of a mask. It is fastened to the collar with a zipper, in front it is fixed with Velcro. When you remove your clothes, the mask folds back like a hood. Overalls are purchased 1 or 2 sizes larger than ordinary clothes, so that during work it does not hinder movement.
Jacket
If the beekeeper is experienced, well studied the habits of insects, a beekeeper's jacket can be an alternative to overalls. If the breed of bees does not show aggression, the jacket is used on a hot sunny day, when the bulk of the swarm is busy with honey collection. Sew clothes from light natural fabric, chintz, satin white or light beige. 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 on the sleeves. The collar is upright, when the zipper is closed it fits snugly to the neck or is tightened with a cord. The cut of the clothes is loose, not tight.
Hat
If the beekeeper does not use a standard overalls or jacket, then a beekeeper hat is essential. This is a wide-brimmed headdress. A beekeeper's hat is made of thin linen or chintz fabric. In summer, the beekeeper will not be hot in it during work, 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
The beekeeper mask protects the head, face and neck from insect bites. Facial meshes come in a variety of options. The most popular designs among beekeepers:
- Mask "Flax" European standard made of linen fabric. Two plastic rings are sewn into it along the top and at the base of the shoulders. A beige tulle netting with an average mesh size is stretched over them. The veil is inserted not only from the front, but also from the sides, this design provides a large field of view.
- Classic mask, made of 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.
- Mask "Coton". It is sewn from cotton fabric with inserted rings. The top ring acts as the brim for the hat. The black veil is inserted only from the front side. Fabric sides and back.
Gloves
Gloves must be included in the standard set of the costume. The main stings of bees fall on the open areas of the hands. Special beekeeper gloves are produced, sewn from thin leather material or its synthetic substitute. Professional cut of protective clothing provides for the presence of a high bell with an elastic band at the end. The length of the oversleeve reaches the elbow. If there is no special protection, hands protect:
- tarpaulin gloves;
- household rubber;
- medical.
Household knitted gloves are not suitable for work in the apiary. They have a large weave, a bee can easily sting through them. If the professional protective equipment is replaced by a handyman, it is necessary to ensure that the insect does not penetrate the area of the sleeves.
How to choose beekeeper clothes
The beekeeper's suit should be one size larger than normal clothes, so as not to create discomfort during work. Clothing must meet hygiene and safety requirements. The main task of workwear is to protect against insect bites. You can buy a ready-made kit or make a do-it-yourself beekeeper suit according to a pattern.
For work in the apiary, European standard overalls are offered. In the trading network there are various options, the beekeeper's suit "Improved", made of dense double-thread linen fabric, is in high demand. The kit includes:
- Jacket with a zipper, with a large front pocket with a zipper and a side pocket, a smaller one with Velcro. The pockets fit snugly around the garment. An elastic band is inserted on the cuffs and at the bottom of the product.
- Protective mesh with a zip at the collar.
- Pants with two pockets with Velcro and elastic bands at the bottom.
The Australian beekeeper costume, popular among beekeepers. Overalls are produced in two versions, overalls and two-piece suits (jacket, trousers). The costume is made of modern fabric "Greta". The uniqueness of the material is that the polyester thread is on top, and the cotton thread is on the bottom. The fabric is hygienic, waterproof, fire retardant. Elasticated cuffs on sleeves and trousers. Sewn three large pockets with Velcro: one on the jacket, two on the trousers. A mesh 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 comfortable, 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 work in an apiary yourself. To do this, purchase a fabric made of natural fibers: coarse calico, cotton, flax. The color is white or light beige. The cut is taken taking into account that the product will be two sizes larger than ordinary clothes. You will need a zipper 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 costume with their own hands.
The drawing shows a jumpsuit pattern, a separate suit is made according to the same principle, only it is divided into two parts, an elastic band is inserted into the trousers and the bottom of the jacket.
DIY beekeeper mask
You can make a mask for working with bees yourself. To do this, you need a hat made of lightweight material, fabric or straw will do. Necessarily with wide, hard margins so that the mesh does not touch the face. You can take it without borders, then you need a metal hoop made of thick wire. First, a hoop is sewn into the tulle, leaving on top a supply of fabric necessary to fix it to the hat. They sew a structure without gaps, which will prevent insects from entering. The net becomes black, a mosquito is suitable. Step-by-step recommendation for making protection using a hat:
- Measure the hat around the brim.
- Cut the tulle 2 cm longer (start at the seam).
- Sewn with small stitches.
The length of the mesh is taken taking into account the allowances for free fitting on the shoulders. A lace is sewn along the edge to fix it on 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.
