Beekeeper Hat And Veil - Imagine You're Stung In Both Eyes, Could You Read This Clearly?

There are a number of components that are used for the protection of a beekeeper while in pursuit of his or her beekeeping role. Today I want to talk about the beekeeper hat and veil. The face and neck are the most vulnerable and sensitive areas of the body when stung!

The lips, eyes and nose and ears as well as the neck are the key areas that are vulnerable to attack by a bee, and that is why a beekeeper hat and veil is used to provide protection from being stung by bees!

“Let’s imagine for a minute that you are stung in the eyes. Well then, how would you expect to see your way clear to safety”?

Bees are quite aware of light and dark mass images, and are therefore attracted to them. Bees may see a large dark area as a predator and may therefore become aggravated. Also scent is something that they are very acutely aware of, that is why it is best when tending your hives, that you not wear any strong scented cologne, perfume or aftershave. In this case the scent is your breath, and that is the reason that a bee is attracted to your facial area.

1. Your breath - Bees will follow the invisible trail of scent from your breath in much the same way as mosquitoes follow the hot carbon dioxide given off from the expelled air from either your nose or mouth. Therefore when you are doing hive manipulations it’s a good idea that you wear a hat with a veil.

2. Dark colors – The theory here is that dark shades of colors that make up the areas of your facial features, possibly represent a large predator to the bee and will investigate the threat. That is why all beekeeping equipment is made of either white or a light colored material

Types of beekeeper hats

1) The combination Hat and Veil – This type of hat reminds me of a safari hat. It is very similar in some respects as it is a hat shelled, wide brimmed hat with an integrated veil.

2) The Hood –This type of hat is actually a hood and reminds me of a fencer’s sword fighting helmet. The difference being, it is made of material and is integrated into a beekeeping suit by way of a zipper.

3) The Helmet - This type of beekeeper hat comes with a detachable veil made from lightweight materials. This type of hat is more akin to keeping out mosquitoes than bees due to the fact that as the wind blows so does the lightweight veil. The veil then hangs close enough to the face that it touches, allowing bees that are on the veil at the time, enough space to sting you!

In some respect it’s not such an important detail as to which type of beekeeper hat that you wear, as any type of hat and veil as long as it will protect your head, neck and face area. The type of hat that you decide upon is really an individual choice.

By: Jack Pomare

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