Why Some Beekeepers Wear Suits and Others Don’t

Beekeepers are most often depicted in recognizable bee suit gear that others assume is for protection against the sting of the bees. However, many beekeepers who are new to the task wonder about the value of the bee suit and why some beekeepers wear them, and others do not. Although some beekeepers may work without a bee suit, the bee suit acts much like a seatbelt in a vehicle. If you don’t get in an accident or have anything unexpected happen, the seatbelt may seem optional. There are beekeepers who have gone for years without bee suits, but the best way to approach beekeeping is with a suit. Bee suits and bee jackets are designed not just to look cool but also to provide necessary protection for beekeepers to safely engage and work with active beehives and swarms.

Accidents Happen

Like a seatbelt in a vehicle, the bee suit provides protection in case of an accident. Beekeeping will always involve some level of uncertainty because bees are wild and not 100% predictable. Bees can change their behavior unexpectedly or for unknown reasons, leaving beekeepers vulnerable without a protective suit.

New beekeepers are strongly encouraged to wear protective bee suits because, like new drivers, accidents are more likely to occur with someone new on the beekeeping road. Seasoned beekeepers may not feel the need to wear the suit or be willing to take the risk that comes without wearing the familiar white suit and headgear. Children should always be in a bee suit when working with bees!

Beekeepers in Suits Set the Example

Beekeeping is growing in popularity, and new beekeepers will always look to more experienced beekeepers for information, advice, and expertise. So, as experienced beekeepers, shouldn't the example be to wear protective bee suits? It would be like teaching your teens to drive and not wear a seatbelt – how can they follow an example that does not exist? Schools and young people watch beekeepers, and observing beekeeping in action is intriguing. So, when a person is beekeeping, consider those who may be watching and set an example by wearing a protective bee suit. If someone watches a beekeeper work with bees unprotected, they may think it is ok to do it themselves, which it is not!

Accidents happen in beekeeping, and when they do, they always make headlines. Headlines about these events create a fear of bees that may have been avoided by wearing a bee suit. A beekeeper would never want an outsider to think walking up to a beehive without a protective suit would be a good idea.

Why Some Beekeepers Go Without a Suit

When a beekeeper is observed handling frames in a hive or approaching a beehive, it seems ideal that they are so close to nature and familiar with the bees that they no longer need the suit. Beekeeping without a suit may seem like a dream to chase because the grace and closeness they appear to have with bees is as mysterious as it is fascinating. However, the choice to wear a bee suit or not does not have to do with the quality of beekeeping. Again, relating it to wearing a seatbelt: if a person does not wear a seatbelt, it doesn’t make them a better driver.

Social Media Videos Do Risk Assessment

One doesn’t have to scroll long to find an impressive bee interaction video on social media where the person is not wearing protective gear. However, in many cases, a risk assessment occurs before filming begins to ensure the video goes as planned. Remember that what you see on social media videos is a small snippet of all that took place to get the footage, so don't be fooled into thinking just anyone can re-enact some of the impressive, albeit dangerous, bee interactions.

Tempting Times to Skip the Suit

There are times when an experienced beekeeper is more likely to skip the suit. Because bees are typically docile during swarming, this is a time when some beekeepers will choose not to wear a suit. Other times include when they are refilling the sugar water from the top or moving hives while the entrance is closed. When the risk is lower, that is typically when beekeepers opt out of the suit. Although the risk is lower, it is never zero. It's like driving a car around the block without a seatbelt: the risk is lower, but risk is still involved. Ultimately, preparing and protecting oneself during every interaction with bees and beehives is strongly suggested.