Choosing the Right Beekeeping Suit for the Aussie Climate: Safety Tips & Best Practices

Australia's climate is marked by extreme variations throughout the year, creating unique challenges and rewards for beekeepers. To thrive in such conditions, beekeepers must adopt practices that help them manage their hives effectively, no matter how harsh the weather gets. To do so, beekeepers need to arm themselves with the right gear, and at the top of the list is a sturdy, protective beekeeping suit. 

The right beekeeping suit is all about comfort, safety, practicality, and peaceful hive inspections. Whether you're a commercial bee farmer or an enthusiast, a high-quality beekeeping suit can make all the difference in your beekeeping journey. This guide will walk you through some essential bee suit safety tips and best practices, helping you choose and invest in the one that keeps you fully protected.

What To Look For In a Bee Suit - The #1 Choice Of Commercial Beekeepers

For years, successful beekeepers have trusted the Oz Armour beekeeping suit as their #1 pick among many options on the market. Known for its premium quality and professional-grade design, it's a top pick for both safety and comfort. Let's break down the standout features that make this suit the go-to choice for commercial beekeepers.

1. Breathable Material & Strong Protection From Bee Stings

The most practical choice for the Aussie climate is a ventilated beekeeping suit. This modern design uses a three-layered mesh system: two outer layers of polycotton fabric with a thick inner layer made from EVA foam mesh in between. This design allows air to freely circulate your body while creating enough space between your skin and the bees' stingers. 

The overall thickness of this bee suit is 4mm. This triple-layered design makes it sting-proof, ultimately providing maximum protection during hive work.

2. Mesh Veil For High-visibility & Comfort

When it comes to protection from bee stings, your veil acts as the first line of defence. It is crucial for protecting your neck and face from stings while still allowing you to see and move freely. The Oz Armour bee suit is made up of a non-tearable Italian mesh veil that provides high visibility during hive inspections and prevents fogging. 

The built-in frame support keeps the veil comfortably away from your face even in windy conditions, so you don't have to worry about getting stung. The double-zipped system comes with a protective flap so that bees don't find a way inside. It also gives you the option to unzip quickly and have a sip of water when needed during long hours of work.

3. Easy To Wear & Remove

The Oz Armour bee suit is designed with two-way zippers on the front and full-length zippers on each leg, making it effortless to wear and remove. Unlike regular suits with shorter zippers, this innovative design allows beekeepers to easily slip the suit on or off without having to take off their shoes or boots, saving Time and adding convenience in the field.

4. Multiple Pocket System For Convenient Storage

Beekeepers know the importance of keeping tools within easy reach during hive inspections. That's why the Oz Armour suit features a thoughtfully designed multi-pocket system to keep you ready and fully equipped at all times. With large front pockets for quick access to essentials, compact arm pockets below the shoulder, rear pockets, and specially designed knee pockets, every detail is built for convenience. 

The knee pockets are handy for beekeepers who spend a lot of time working on their knees, as they can hold protective knee pads securely. Whether it's your phone, hive tools, or other essentials, each pocket is strategically placed to make your work more efficient.

5. Strong Grips That Keep Your Suit Secure

The Oz Armour beekeeping suit is designed with adjustability, featuring Velcro straps and elastic at the wrists and ankles for a snug yet comfortable fit. This ensures your suit stays secure while you move, without ever getting in the way of your work. Reinforced seams add extra durability, so the fabric won't rip or tear even during frequent bending and lifting. The ultimate result is a suit that gives beekeepers the freedom to move with ease and confidence.

Protective Gear - Safety Tips & Best Practices

Seasoned Australian beekeepers follow some tried and tested methods to get the best out of their protective bee suits and enhance their lives. Some basic tips include:

• Use of proper gloves, footwear, and internal clothing is advised along with full coverage protective suits.
• Regular inspection of your bee suit to check for any damage. Inspection prior to every use can prevent unexpected stings near the hives.

Maintenance & Cleaning: 

• Hand wash the hood, suit & jacket can be machine washed.
• Do not tumble dry the hood or suit to maintain the integrity of its fabric in the long run.

Right Size:

• It's a rule of thumb that you should choose a size that is one or two sizes up from your regular clothing. This will allow enough room for your internal clothing, and you can't go wrong.
• If you find that your bee suit is too baggy, that won't cause any trouble to your beekeeping job, rather than it being tight and stretchy, making it difficult to move or bend.

Buy a bee suit that suits you the best and makes your hive work less of a hassle. We recommend following the above-mentioned guidelines. But if you still find it difficult to choose the right one for you, contact us and get in touch with our expert team.