Thank you so much for making such enjoyable and informative videos. Hands down best bee keeping teacher out there. I know your time probably doesnt evolve around making RUclips videos and you think other channels do a good job doing it but a little series of everything you need to do to prepare, start, and maintain a healthy hive would be greatly appreciated by many. Even if it takes a while it would be worth the wait and you could always do it video by video doesnt need to be one long movie. Hopefully next year you could pursue this after this upcoming winter is over.
I may do just that, thanks for that suggestion Good Potion. I do a lot of teaching on location, but could certainly reach a wider audience by doing that on RUclips.
Frederick Dunn thank you for your advice MR. Dunn I just ordered my XXL ventilated bee suit with the newbie fencing helmet . I they gave me such a good deal .. I mean amazing deal ... ty again
hi dear sir im manufacture of beekeeping suit im send you free sample for beekeeping suit so check my quality then order me sir this is my contact number +923374881907 this is my whatsapp number +923374881907 from pakistan
“If you are wearing all the protective gear out there, that doesn’t mean you are a bad beekeeper, it just means you don’t want to get stung”. Bravo sir, and thank you - too much ‘suit shaming’ out there I’ve seen in my brief time at this!
It's always been a puzzle to me when a beekeeper has their knowledge and skill set challenged based on what he/she is wearing at the time. I was very disappointed when a very prominent lecturer began his talk with "if you see a beekeeper wearing a full suit, find another mentor, that individual hasn't got a clue"... I wanted to walk out right at that moment, but I was front and center :) Last year, a woman was stung on her eye, I don't mean her eye-lid, I mean the actual surface of her eye. She was under the guidence and assumption that protective equipment = novice, and she wanted to be "in the game". Thanks for stopping by!
Hello Mr Dunn!!! Please please PLEASE do an entire beginner bee keeping course this way!!! I could spend the entire winter watching your presentations and think you could do a great job!!!! we talk about your videos in our bee-club!
IF I had the time, I would enjoy doing that, but I also think that there are many channels that are going a great job of showing people how to start up with honey bees. Thank you for such a flattering comment!
@@FrederickDunn Mr. Dunn what would you recommend wearing under the bee suit when your dealing with very defensive hornets and yellow jackets? I just bought a full body bee suit to kill a swarm of yellow jackets behind the soffit in my house. Just wondering if I should wear thick pants and a thick long sleeve shirt to keep the stings away.
I wish more beekeepers would educate the public like you and your attitude of responsibility to those around you when dealing with a bee hive that has been taken over by aggressive bees.
Friend you are a great orator and I could listen to you speak for a long session and never get bored unlike most people I've listened to on RUclips. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me. I'm still learning my friend and have a long ways to go. You're my go-to man.
Hi Fred. I've been beekeeping for a year now, and I didn't know that those little prickles I was feeling were warnings! I almost thought I was being paranoid and imagining them! I have had one real sting in the past year, because I keep an eye on the mood of my ladies. That sting was from an adventurous bee that climbed up my trouser leg. I'm sure the only reason I even got stung then, was because I had sat down at home after doing the inspection and wasn't prepared for the situation. I tried to get my pants off ASAP, and in the process was clumsy and frightened the bee. My bad. I'll try to do better next time!
LOL The bee suit was too expansive so my friend the bee keeper and I padded our old army uniform. Wore our army boots, put on out steel pot helmet, covered our face and neck with camo netting and bought a pair of thick leather gloves each. And just for measure we sprayed each other with stinky bee repellent. :) Oh and we wrapped our elbows and kneecaps with aluminium foil.
Oh! It's great to see you here Vino Farm! You are probably one of the precious few who watched to the very end. I actually have a twisted sense of humor and enjoy teasing people. I was told many years ago that on RUclips, "never try to be funny, always be sincere" So, I have to hold myself back. :) I hope all is well with your bees this fall and that you overwinter well! I need to check in on your videos again soon!
I'm new to bees, after 6 years of research I purchased my first hive already established ( which at first seemed calm) and ended up with the "hot bees" you described and I mean absolutely the way you described. My daughter got stung 2 days after I opened my hive as she was sitting on the porch in our BACK yard (which was at least 100 yards away IN THE FRONT YARD) I went out to check them a week later and they had all flown away except for 3 lonesome bees... That was my first bee experience! My second attempt flew away also... Goodness this was getting expensive!!! Now I'm trying a third hive, It's been my best experience I can mow 2 feet away front them and don't even get a warning bump. I use the maximum protection suit (simply because I have sensitive skin) with a baseball cap and of course, gloves. I like the idea of putting the legs to the suit in my boots (I normally put it over them) but the elastic is still new and hasn't lost it's strength. I use your recommendations as much as it fits my situation here in Florida. I appreciate your family friendly video and hope you keep them coming.
Those hard and stiff cowhide gloves can be softened up with lanolin (tub of 'bag balm' is easy to find at the drug stores). Just used some on several old baseball gloves.
Also in the shoe care area, you can get mink oil, that also helps to condition and soften leather. My grandfather used to talk about Neatsfoot oil. I've never used it before, but Pepere was one helluva smart guy, so I trust it would work. If the gloves are top grain leather then these will work. If they are suade, I'm not sure what could be done about that, but they looked top grain to me.
Hi Robert! Thank you so much, it's a great compliment if a presentation is interesting to someone who isn't particularly looking for the specific content. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I know this is an old video, but thank you for putting this info out here. I have been looking into getting a protective suit for dealing with some fairly aggressive wasps on my property. I'll have to look into the Sovereign/MaxProtect. Again, thank you so much. Great video.
thanks for this no body has ever said anything about killing the hole hive they always just talked about get the queen. I was thinking the same thing. I have had hives that are just out of control but the next day they were fine a mean hive will be mean all the time u did a wonderful job with the video thanks
Thank you for this video , i have noticed that there are some folks in bee keeping that are very opinionated lol , I haven’t worked with bees in 30 years and actually got out of it because of my fear of getting stung, I used to maintain 400 hives and I wore a wife beater t shirt , short shorts , flip flops and protective gear was for sissies lol , although I was old school in bee keeping I was ignorant to the fact that all of the hundreds of stings I endured in my younger days in fact was not making me tougher but it was actually a storm brewing in my immune system, the last time I got stung was the doozy , I quit working with bees , so , now that I’ve been gone some things have changed but alot is still the same , now days I have the BURNING desire to work with bees and the difference between then and now as far as protection goes is David is now going to wear a full , maximum protection suit whether I’m , inspecting hives/frames , collecting honey frames and even sitting back just watching the bottom board and entrance from afar , anything I do in view of the bees I will have to wear a full suit no matter how nice the bees seem , and the time for my bee allergy is now , the time for my protection is now , if you work bees long enough and get stung it’s not if you develop an allergy, it’s when , because your immune system will react differently every time you start to accumulate stings and after being stung 4,000 times in my life I have to do everything in my power to not get stung even once . So for anyone brand new to bee keeping, don’t make the mistake I did and think that stings build your immune system, they don’t , they take a piece of the homeostasis you were born with in every sting . Take Fred’s advice and protect yourself and others . I thought I was the toughest guy in the world, but then there are bee suits and navy seals . Stay protected my friends !!
I have a major Southern Yellow Jacket problem in my multiple trash bag compost heap, and rather than hire a professional I am trying to take care of it myself. My first attempt scattered the yellow jacket "honeycombs" over several feet in my yard (I was running in the rain - yellow jackets have no problem flying/stinging in heavy rain, BTW). So I went on eBay and purchased a BeeProGear jacket + gloves (not the full suit - my fault). In order to make up for the missing pants, I wore: Army desert boots, Army ACU tucked into the boots, Interceptor collar up, long-sleeve and turtleneck PT shirt underneath, with the jacket + gloves, and a pair of heavy oil-resistant gloves over the cowskin gloves and a mosquito netting hat over the fencing-style hood. (Note: the yellow jackets will make a new nest with every honeycomb!) The Good News: no stings, even when trying to remove a nest in a compost trash bag by physically scraping it with my (gloved) hands and throwing the honeycomb onto a fire pit. The yellow jackets swarmed on my gloves, boots, and near my head, but never stung me. I found one yellow jacket in my boot while taking everything off back inside (Tie those laces tight!). The Bad News: this double/triple layering method is hotter than a sauna, especially with a fear effect making me break out in a sweat every time I heard the yellow jackets near my head. And working near a lit fire pit. The yellow jackets WILL try to get under your jacket and get up to your neck, so you also need to be self-ware of any crawling assassins (I had one, but it never got me). Why the Army combat uniform? It is made of a very dense-knit, heavy material to prevent tears. That also prevents stings. The oil-resistant heavy plastic gloves will keep the bee suit gloves clean, but full of sweat. Another layer to deny stings. Still need to go after the honeycomb left behind that has formed two nests.
I grew up helping my Mom with her hive... but man... your videos are so informative! Thanks! I am looking forward to adding bees to my farm here soon as well.
Wow, real information in real scenario's. Seems so many video's are doing just what you said and neglect to provide the information for protection in the event of aggressive bee's. I am a novice and appreciate the help minus the bravado of naked bee keeping prowess among those bee elite's.
WARNING ⚠️: 🛑 I'm Not a Beekeeper But You can Bet Your Bottom Dollar *, I'm Going "FULL SUIT", Full Protection, the Whole nine yards! Call Me a Coward, I Don't Care. lol* I'm sorry, *I Aint taking No Chances!* I'll Never Be Complacent! Better Safe That Sorry! GREAT Info my good fellow!
Thank you for the presentation, I will be looking into purchasing the Max Pro, I have a yellow jacket problem in my area and that suit will really help. Can you recommend a pair of gloves to go with the suit? Thank you
Great vid! Just got stung 5 times . 4 were warnings and one embedded right in the forehead ! I have the elastic coat with attached veil type u showed . They got in. I’m looking for a new suit. I got the goat skin gloves very nice. My bees are usually docile but maybe it’s due to honey flow. They got nasty. Smoker didn’t help much at all.
Glad to help and thanks for watching! There is also a balance when smoking the bees, sometimes too much smoke can put them on the defensive. Glad you like the goat skin gloves, they are far better than thick leather and the bees react to them less.
Thank you for your video, I'm in the western NC mountains and from Aug - October Yellow Jackets burrowed in the ground become extremely aggressive. The problem is when weed whacking my large property I discover their nests when it's too late and I'm normally stung multiple times. Can you recommend the best equipment to protect during the nest discovery phase that would be cool but still provide protection? They have stung me through canvas pants with flannel lining (Not cool) and even cow hide leather gloves. They always seem to go for the face which I read is normal but I'm obviously not much of a fan of. Thanks!
Staying cool but still providing protection is a balancing act. Look into Guardian Bee Apparel, tell them I sent you. Wear tall boots. The key is to wear enough clothing that the stingers aren't long enough to reach your skin. I'm sorry to say that you're going to have to layer up for those aggressive wasps. 1/4" is the general rule. Vented suits can help.
Great demo Mr: Dunn. Informative and explained very well. I’ve got a hypersensitivity to Bees especially from BumbleBee venom it’s absolutely horrible being stung by them. Swelling limbs 3-4x their size and food poisoning symptoms for 24 to 36 hours so I’m one who requires a suit to be as protected as possible against a sting. HoneyBees not so much but I wouldn’t wish to find out from a swarm sting at some point. So I agree with your opinions and explanations as to why people should and when they should use a suit to be in the hobby of BeeKeeping to keep it safe and fun.
Thank you Alter Egos if I had a honey bee sting allergy, and if it were at all serious, I would have to think long and hard before taking on bees as a hobby. My Grandmother had to stop keeping bees because my Grandfather actually developed a sensitivity after being stung so many times. Human health and well being first... always :) Thank you for being a frequent viewer and commenter on my videos :)
I got into Bee Lining because I had very bad reactions to HB stings (Dads idea - keep your friends close and enemies closer) and wanted to know where the lived so I could hunt them down and kill them ( I was 12 and we had a farm with lots of "wild" bees). However when studying my foe - I found them to Bee quite predicable and focused. The more I watched the more I stopped hating . . . By the time I was 16 I found myself with 8 hives. Somewhere along the line I stopped reacting to stings but I don't remember when. Now I spend all Spring rescuing swarms that no one else wants to get..... to make up for those 3 or 4 I destroyed long ago.
There is no blanket answer for that. Depending what's going on with the colony, they can become defensive overnight. If they have lost a queen, over several days or weeks. Many variables.
Mr. Dunn, I've tried to find the Sovereign model of Natural Apiary suit but cannot find it, even on their website. I did find the "max protect" suit and maybe that's the one you're speaking of. Anyway, I thought it was worth mentioning for the sake of your review, which BTW was excellent. Thank you for the video!
Thanks Tim, I think they ran into some copyright issues with the Sovereign name? Now they just call it the Max Protect Suit. They changed the name right after I got these... sorry for the confusion, it was a tad odd indeed. AND, my new favorite suits are made by FlowHive.. thick knee pads and elbow pads... oh well, everything seems to be in a constant state of change. :) Thanks for watching my videos by the way :)
Great tips here. :)) But i have one for your leather gloves to make them last longer and become soft and nice to work with. Take some fat /lard and rub into them. its easiest to do this while you wear them, just work the fat in the same way you would do if you had really dry hands. Hope this can be helpful for someone :)
I don't use cowhide at all anymore, goatskin is more acceptable to the bees. But if you really need some protection in extreme circumstances, leather works, I use saddle soap to soften them. Thanks for sharing what you do :)
@@FrederickDunn I understand. i`m not even sure we can get goatskin here. yes saddle-soap that sounds good. i don`t have a horse so i did not think about that. but i know Shawn James over @My Self reliance use fat to protect all his leather and iron tools. and i tried it on my work glows and it did wonders to them :)
You can also purchase some wrist-length or forearm-length "oil resistant" heavy plastic gloves for low cost ($9-$12 at the time of this writing). Putting these "oil resistant" gloves OVER your cowhide-with-elbow-length-cloth gloves will keep your cowhide gloves clean and prevent stings from wasps and yellow jackets. You will lose some dexterity with each layer of gloves, of course. Tool stores also sell elbow-length plastic oil-length gloves, for that extra protection and cleanliness. (You will sweat a lot from the wrists to the fingertips.)
I really like that Natural Apiary Sovereign suit. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find one larger than 2XL. The torso of that 2XL is too short for me. I purchased it exclusively for dealing with Hornets and Wasp and its 240 GSM cotton material looks really tough. I had to return it. My solution was (eventually) locating a 280 GSM cotton suit in a larger size. I have not used it yet but I will be soon. I am hoping the 280 GSM suit gives me even more protection.
That's my current favorite suit to wear and the bees ignore me in that suit as much as they do the white suits, so, I'm not sure they care. BUT, I did wear it when I investigated an Africanized colony and they weren't impressed by it either. I've come to think that a bee suit doesn't have as great an impact on bee defensiveness as our activities do. I also really enjoy the heavy duty ventilated suits being made by Guardian Bee Apparel, zippered veil!
Thank you so much. A lot of good info. I’m gonna order this Natural Apiary Sovereign. I can even keep my Epi pen in that pocket. But I’ve got a nest To take down some red wasps I’m dealing with. I think they’re solitary though. It’s just they’re on the very very top of my porch deck. Gotta get a bigger ladder to even get to them. Thanks again, under that this NA: Sovereign what should I wear underneath? (Im severely allergic also)
Wear long sleeve shirt and long pants under the Max-Protect suit. You CAN, take a garden sprayer, adjust it to a solid-stream, mix up Dawn Ultra-free and clear dish soap with water at 2 tablespoons per gallon, mix is up well. Then pump it up and spray the nest into pieces. The Dawn Ultra kills the wasps and the force of the sprayer will blow apart the next annnd, you get a clean porch ceiling :) This is easy on the environment, and deadly for any insects that you need to deal with: amzn.to/3TI3DKW
Thank you for your videos. I was wondering if you could share for the natural apiary beekeeping suit. I’m purchasing the poly cotton blend, wondering if I can interchange the Protective hoods? It comes with the fencing bill but I would be interested in the other round one that they have. I just did not know if they are all interchangeable on the suits?
I was stung by a big hornet once on my left cheek. It had swollen up so much I couldn’t see out of my left eye for almost 2 days. Do you think that is normal or am I allergic? I’m pretty sure my breathing wasn’t affected.
Hi Nicholas, that's a pretty dramatic response, the fact that you didn't suffer any respiratory distress is important, but that definitely did show some sensitivity to the venom. I would consult your physician as some people become less allergic, while others experience advanced sensitivity with subsequent stings. Document your symptoms and consult your Dr.
I'm thinking of starting my first hive. I have a few dogs in a fenced in yard, how far away should I put the hive to make sure that they don't bother each other?
I would put them in a location where you have a solid barrier between the bees and dog area. For example, a stockade fence would have the bees flying up and over, rather than through your dog adjacent fence. My dog hasn't had issues with bees, but some dogs can be highly allergic and suffer shock and diarrhea when stung.
I need to get on a tractor and clear some brush that has tons of ground nesting stinging insects. I think they are wasps and hornets. Will these suits prevent stings entirely, or do they make it harder for the insect to find a good spot? I mean, if it lands on an area of the suit that is tight to your skin is it going to penetrate the suit and hit you? I don't know if I am allergic.
If you get one of the Max Protect Bee Suits and wear long pants and long sleeved shirts underneath, I think you will have the best sting protection you can get.
questions > you commented to someone that bees are very interested in high contrast areas. Is the reason the suits are all white due to that being the least attractive or less annoying to the bees? Does it really matter what colors or patterns a person wears? You have the camo suit, does that attract bees more or less then white? Are a solid color [like > blue? purple? green? pink?] more or less a problem then a multi colored suit? The reason I am asking is, we were planning to lightly dye the suits individual color/s per person. and yes one wants a tie-dye suit. I know you do tests and studies. Have you ever done or known of anyone who has done bee color preferences and mood reactions? This might be an important interesting subject for a video, cause so far I have not seen mentioned.
That's a great question! When you have a field of white adjacent to a contrast dark point such as eyes etc, the bees/wasps/hornets will investigate those areas. It's been my experience that overall coloration such as camo isn't an attention getter. BUT, I have to suggest that wearing solid black may be something to avoid. If you tint or die blues, pinks, greens etc.. even camo of various colors, you won't get much of a rise from the bees based on that alone. Tie-dye ( I have several tie-died hats ) the bees don't seem to care about those either. Smooth fabrics and avoid black and I think you're fine.
@@FrederickDunn thank you very much for the helpful answers. we don't plan to wear black out in the hot sun, more of a pastel tinting of color/s. but a big happy smile is sent for you saying tie-dye is ok! guess come spring my washer is going to be doing lots of vinegar Rite Color Dyes.
Hi Ray the only flow-hive downside for now, is the cost. I also wish they offered medium supers instead of just the full sized boxes. They are well made and I can't imagine going back to pulling frames for honey harvesting. Also, I recommend the 7 frame flow, which is the 10 frame Langstroth matchup. Their six frame boxes are a little small for me in the northeast. They are definitely headed in the right direction and I can't complain about the hives I have from them.
I found your video looking for a cheap suit because I have a huge bald faced hornet nest in my front yard that is hanging too close to the ground for my liking. I'm allergic and really not wanting to take them out myself but none of the companies will do it as a one time service. 😥
Depending up on what I'm dealing with, I put layers of clothing on under the bee suit, and a baseball cap to keep the veil away from my face. European hornets have longer stingers. Layer up and they can't get the stingers to your skin. I realize this is hard when it's very hot outside.
For honey bees, yes, I'd call them equal. BUT if you're going into a situation with wasps or hornets, then no. Max protect and heavy clothes beneath would be recommended.
@@FrederickDunn Do you think the Guardian Bee Apparel Ventilated Bee suits would work against Wasps? I have watch a lot of your videos, LOVE them, never thought about bees until I watched your video. Really informing but I have a wasp (sweat bee) nest inside my bay window and they are starting to get into my house now. I need them gone and thought about getting a bee suit to help me get rid of them. Is the vented suit good for wasps or will I need to get the full Natural Apiary Max Pro Cotton suit instead. Was hoping to just get one suit. I know this is a loaded question for you and not trying to put you on the spot but one way or another I will probably do it anyway so wanting someone advise.
You are the first person I have watched who actually noticed the change of frequency (sound) for different activities! On your Natural Apairy suit, does it lay against the body to the point you can be stung thur the material? I live in Tn. and it gets quite warm, plus my flight response kicks in so I tend to sweat heavily. Most suits become an oven for me, how well does the NA suits breathe, any suggestion are welcome. How do you clean the gloves to allow them leather to last? I had a pallet collapse, dumping the hive over... They were not happy campers, chased me down the driveway!! I have worked them since then and have not had an issue with them since I placed a plastic pallet under the hives....
Hi Stephanie, to keep your gloves pliable, I use saddle soap :) I should have mentioned that. As for the bee suit, if you're really looking for a suit that breathes really well and won't get you all sweaty in those warm days and still protect you, here is what I recommend: www.honeyflow.com/shop/accessories/bee-suit-ventilated-mesh/p/205 great protection and you will be comfortable... this suit wasn't out when I made this video, or I would have shared about it. I have then now and love them!
i have a yellow jacket nest I need to take out, and the wife got stung twice, way worse than a bee. would a carhart onesie hood and gloves be good enough?
Yes, as long as you also have something to protect your face, there are simple insect veils that keep those stingers from making contact with your skin. I wish you all the best there.
Happy Thanksgiving! Another great video Fred! I have all my supplies picked out and ready to order, but I had a question about your hygienic bees. Where can I buy those that will deliver them? I haven't asked around locally yet. Just wondering if you pick up your bees or have them delivered. A response is not expected until AFTER turkey is eaten, nap is taken, and football is over!
Hi Trixiegirl! I just buy queen bees and I get them from BeeWeaver.com I have already placed my order for 2018 so that I'll have queens coming in. You can catch a swarm, or buy package bees locally, then just get the queens you want and make splits with them :) Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!
Awesome video, thank you for making it. I am considering getting a vented suit. Guardian Bee Apparel full suit is the one I am considering. It just so hot down here in the south. Wondering if you would make reviews of the best vented suits?
Hi Craig, I did a review of my favorite vented suit... I have one coming from natural apiary, but my favorite one is with a zippered fencing veil..... I'll share the link for you, they are made by a family in the U.S. and the guy that designed it suffered heat stress in his full suit and decided to make and sell something better. Here is the link Ohhh it is Guardian Bee Apparel :) ruclips.net/video/L2IIOj9fSKE/видео.html I LOVE this suit!!!
Frederick Dunn Thanks! for the help. I texted Guardian bee apparel via a Facebook. And told them what I was wanting. They said it a couple of months they will have pants for sale to be used with their vented jacket. So I think that what I will be buying when it becomes available. Not everyday full protection is needed, but pants would be nice for those intense days
Very sensible advice. I also admire the ‘be prepared’ habit too. Just a small question, you said bees don’t have really excellent sight, does it make a difference if you wear a camo pattern suit or a white/bright one? Do they respond differently assuming they haven’t laid down any pheromones?
Hi Kym! The camo suit is just for people appeal.. the bees are aware of where our eyes are (the veil helps reduce that visual contrast) and they are smelling our breath and are aware of the CO2 we're exhaling. A white suit is best if you want to be less visually threatening to a bee. I wear the camo when I'm laying in a meadow observing ground wasps, or in places where I don't want to be a conspicuous white dot in the landscape :)
Good to know (don’t bother with the camo). I would like to take a small CO2 cylinder and see if CO2 alone will clue them in or if other things in our breath are necessary. I am curious that way!
I don't have bees but there a be hive in a wall in my back on the neighbors property . I don't mind in fact I like them for my plants.. My question is when I use my shredder and that's when they start to really come out . I have been stung 3 time face, foot, hand I think it's the vibration of the chipper .. I need it for my mulch need a bee keepers suit.
@@expatconn7242 I personally would not purchase a used beekeeper suit, BUT, I would contact Guardian Bee Apparel to see if someone returned one that didn't fit? That could be a good way to receive a new, but discounted suit.
Towards or away from a Hive . . . I have "decorated" one bee suit to look like Doc Brown - pocket clip (queen cage) yellow gloves and all - doesn't hurt that I have wild white hair - kids love it - I should make a smoker out of an old RAD counter.....
You may have to get a custom tailored suit, I would contact one of the manufacturers in your country and see if a XXXLarge suit could be altered for you?
ok,do you have anything especially for your kids,just in case you start having trouble with those asian giant hornets,those things have a half inch stinger,and not sure if they are in the area but how about the red paper wasp,and just in case if these get here who knows if they will but what if warrior wasps start showing up
@@FrederickDunn Will do! I really appreciate the reply! Ive had about all I can take of these things and its about time I serve them an eviction notice.
Hey Fred, do you have an opinion on Ventilated suits? In Connecticut the summers are hot and humid. Sounds like a good idea but was wondering what you think?
I currently have two ventilated suits, one is a jacket and the other is full length.. this will sound like a suspicious advertisement, but it's by FlowHive... they have knee pads, pockets with velcro and have the fencing style veil... best I've found... www.honeyflow.com/shop/accessories/bee-suit-ventilated-mesh/p/205
Wow, $150 for a good suit, gloves and a hive tool. Thanks Frederick. I'm measuring tonight and ordering. Now that is the kind of advice we need on RUclips.
Got it today. The only thing I didn't like is I bought an XL and they wouldn't let me change gloves to L. Oh well, I'm sure to meet someone at a bee club that would want to swap. Love the suit. Thanks for you advice.
Yes, Terry, I would LOVE trying out some Guardian Bee Apparel suits :) as you know, your suit is my favorite vented suit and I've updated the information in the video description. I'm so glad that we finally met! No one makes a better vented vee suit, you can quote me on that ;)
You are awesome! I know your ears must be ringing because I talk about you all the time, and I would be honored to add a testimonial to the website 😃! I need to send you some of our other stuff we have added so you can make sure I'm staying on track. Your opinion is "Gold!"
Great video - thank you! It seems the Sovereign is no longer sold. Do you have any current recommendations for “Max Protection” suits when dealing with hornets or other aggressive stingers? Also what’s the best thing to wear under the suit when trying to maximize protection? Thanks again!!
Hi Dan, they still make it and it's available in camo if you like that :) If I'm really going-in on a hostile hornet, wasp, Africanized bee event, I wear jeans and long sleeved sweatshirt under the Max Protect suit. The longest stingers haven't gotten through yet. I also recommend the large round veil to keep them away from the back of your head unless you want to have to wear a hoodie up. Here is the current Max suit: amzn.to/3iZgmHM
@@FrederickDunn Thanks for the detailed response! Do you have experience with the 3-layer ventilated suits e.g. the Zephyros: www.amazon.com/dp/B01JPICVXG/ How do you think they compare in terms of sting protection?
My FAVORITE Ventilated Bee Suit is here ruclips.net/video/L2IIOj9fSKE/видео.html
Thank you so much for making such enjoyable and informative videos. Hands down best bee keeping teacher out there. I know your time probably doesnt evolve around making RUclips videos and you think other channels do a good job doing it but a little series of everything you need to do to prepare, start, and maintain a healthy hive would be greatly appreciated by many. Even if it takes a while it would be worth the wait and you could always do it video by video doesnt need to be one long movie. Hopefully next year you could pursue this after this upcoming winter is over.
I may do just that, thanks for that suggestion Good Potion. I do a lot of teaching on location, but could certainly reach a wider audience by doing that on RUclips.
Frederick Dunn thank you for your advice MR. Dunn I just ordered my XXL ventilated bee suit with the newbie fencing helmet . I they gave me such a good deal .. I mean amazing deal ... ty again
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5 years later... and absolutely relevant and essential. Thank you Mr. Dunn!
Thank you so much! I'm glad to know that the information remains useful.
“If you are wearing all the protective gear out there, that doesn’t mean you are a bad beekeeper, it just means you don’t want to get stung”. Bravo sir, and thank you - too much ‘suit shaming’ out there I’ve seen in my brief time at this!
It's always been a puzzle to me when a beekeeper has their knowledge and skill set challenged based on what he/she is wearing at the time. I was very disappointed when a very prominent lecturer began his talk with "if you see a beekeeper wearing a full suit, find another mentor, that individual hasn't got a clue"... I wanted to walk out right at that moment, but I was front and center :) Last year, a woman was stung on her eye, I don't mean her eye-lid, I mean the actual surface of her eye. She was under the guidence and assumption that protective equipment = novice, and she wanted to be "in the game". Thanks for stopping by!
Hello Mr Dunn!!! Please please PLEASE do an entire beginner bee keeping course this way!!! I could spend the entire winter watching your presentations and think you could do a great job!!!! we talk about your videos in our bee-club!
IF I had the time, I would enjoy doing that, but I also think that there are many channels that are going a great job of showing people how to start up with honey bees. Thank you for such a flattering comment!
@@FrederickDunn Mr. Dunn what would you recommend wearing under the bee suit when your dealing with very defensive hornets and yellow jackets? I just bought a full body bee suit to kill a swarm of yellow jackets behind the soffit in my house. Just wondering if I should wear thick pants and a thick long sleeve shirt to keep the stings away.
Thank you - really appreciate the no-nonsense approach and the acknowledgement that bees and the needs of keepers can vary widely.
Thank you Byron, I really appreciate your comment!
Natural aviary must love you you would make a great salesman.lol
Yup. He has got it down. This man has allot of Knowledge. I could listen to him all day.
I wish more beekeepers would educate the public like you and your attitude of responsibility to those around you when dealing with a bee hive that has been taken over by aggressive bees.
Thanks, William.
Friend you are a great orator and I could listen to you speak for a long session and never get bored unlike most people I've listened to on RUclips. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me. I'm still learning my friend and have a long ways to go. You're my go-to man.
Thank you so much Jacky.. what a nice compliment :)
Hi Fred. I've been beekeeping for a year now, and I didn't know that those little prickles I was feeling were warnings! I almost thought I was being paranoid and imagining them! I have had one real sting in the past year, because I keep an eye on the mood of my ladies. That sting was from an adventurous bee that climbed up my trouser leg. I'm sure the only reason I even got stung then, was because I had sat down at home after doing the inspection and wasn't prepared for the situation. I tried to get my pants off ASAP, and in the process was clumsy and frightened the bee. My bad. I'll try to do better next time!
LOL The bee suit was too expansive so my friend the bee keeper and I padded our old army uniform. Wore our army boots, put on out steel pot helmet, covered our face and neck with camo netting and bought a pair of thick leather gloves each. And just for measure we sprayed each other with stinky bee repellent. :) Oh and we wrapped our elbows and kneecaps with aluminium foil.
Great, comprehensive video. You are ready for any situation! Funny ending, there.
Oh! It's great to see you here Vino Farm! You are probably one of the precious few who watched to the very end. I actually have a twisted sense of humor and enjoy teasing people. I was told many years ago that on RUclips, "never try to be funny, always be sincere" So, I have to hold myself back. :) I hope all is well with your bees this fall and that you overwinter well! I need to check in on your videos again soon!
Frederick Dunn Sincerity is very important, but an ability to be funny will take you places. Don't hold back the funny.
Ok man, if my viewers bail out on me... I'm blaming you ;)
OK, but the thing is... you'll get new viewers! Your people will find you. RUclips never ceases to amaze me.
I'm new to bees, after 6 years of research I purchased my first hive already established ( which at first seemed calm) and ended up with the "hot bees" you described and I mean absolutely the way you described.
My daughter got stung 2 days after I opened my hive as she was sitting on the porch in our BACK yard (which was at least 100 yards away IN THE FRONT YARD) I went out to check them a week later and they had all flown away except for 3 lonesome bees...
That was my first bee experience!
My second attempt flew away also...
Goodness this was getting expensive!!!
Now I'm trying a third hive, It's been my best experience I can mow 2 feet away front them and don't even get a warning bump.
I use the maximum protection suit (simply because I have sensitive skin) with a baseball cap and of course, gloves.
I like the idea of putting the legs to the suit in my boots (I normally put it over them) but the elastic is still new and hasn't lost it's strength.
I use your recommendations as much as it fits my situation here in Florida.
I appreciate your family friendly video and hope you keep them coming.
Super informative and fantastic presentation skills! Thank you sir!
Glad it was helpful! I didn't realize that anyone still watched this. Much appreciated :)
Those hard and stiff cowhide gloves can be softened up with lanolin (tub of 'bag balm' is easy to find at the drug stores). Just used some on several old baseball gloves.
Thanks for the tip!
Also in the shoe care area, you can get mink oil, that also helps to condition and soften leather. My grandfather used to talk about Neatsfoot oil. I've never used it before, but Pepere was one helluva smart guy, so I trust it would work.
If the gloves are top grain leather then these will work. If they are suade, I'm not sure what could be done about that, but they looked top grain to me.
Not a beekeeper, but absolutely love watching your videos Fred! such a soothing voice :) keep it up!
Hi Robert! Thank you so much, it's a great compliment if a presentation is interesting to someone who isn't particularly looking for the specific content. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great info and video . Love that camo suit with the music looks like you mean business .
Hi Dan... I do.. I'm all business when I put that particular suit on :)
Beautiful and thorough presentation. Thank you!
You're welcome Julie, thanks for watching this and for leaving such a nice compliment.
I know this is an old video, but thank you for putting this info out here. I have been looking into getting a protective suit for dealing with some fairly aggressive wasps on my property. I'll have to look into the Sovereign/MaxProtect. Again, thank you so much. Great video.
You're very welcome!
The camouflage when you sneaking up on them
I'm a new beekeeper and i have found that using leather conditioning cream on my leather gloves help keep them soft and dextrous.
Perfect timing for this video. I just ordered my first nuc and hive. I had completely forgotten about the bee suit. Great video and info.
Hi Michael.. that's great! Maybe you can get someone to give you one as a Christmas gift :)
thanks for this no body has ever said anything about killing the hole hive they always just talked about get the queen. I was thinking the same thing. I have had hives that are just out of control but the next
day they were fine a mean hive will be mean all the time u did a wonderful job with the video thanks
Thank you so much Frances! I'm so glad that information is being well received.
Thank you for this video , i have noticed that there are some folks in bee keeping that are very opinionated lol , I haven’t worked with bees in 30 years and actually got out of it because of my fear of getting stung, I used to maintain 400 hives and I wore a wife beater t shirt , short shorts , flip flops and protective gear was for sissies lol , although I was old school in bee keeping I was ignorant to the fact that all of the hundreds of stings I endured in my younger days in fact was not making me tougher but it was actually a storm brewing in my immune system, the last time I got stung was the doozy , I quit working with bees , so , now that I’ve been gone some things have changed but alot is still the same , now days I have the BURNING desire to work with bees and the difference between then and now as far as protection goes is David is now going to wear a full , maximum protection suit whether I’m , inspecting hives/frames , collecting honey frames and even sitting back just watching the bottom board and entrance from afar , anything I do in view of the bees I will have to wear a full suit no matter how nice the bees seem , and the time for my bee allergy is now , the time for my protection is now , if you work bees long enough and get stung it’s not if you develop an allergy, it’s when , because your immune system will react differently every time you start to accumulate stings and after being stung 4,000 times in my life I have to do everything in my power to not get stung even once . So for anyone brand new to bee keeping, don’t make the mistake I did and think that stings build your immune system, they don’t , they take a piece of the homeostasis you were born with in every sting . Take Fred’s advice and protect yourself and others . I thought I was the toughest guy in the world, but then there are bee suits and navy seals . Stay protected my friends !!
Thank you for sharing that very important information.
I have a major Southern Yellow Jacket problem in my multiple trash bag compost heap, and rather than hire a professional I am trying to take care of it myself. My first attempt scattered the yellow jacket "honeycombs" over several feet in my yard (I was running in the rain - yellow jackets have no problem flying/stinging in heavy rain, BTW). So I went on eBay and purchased a BeeProGear jacket + gloves (not the full suit - my fault). In order to make up for the missing pants, I wore: Army desert boots, Army ACU tucked into the boots, Interceptor collar up, long-sleeve and turtleneck PT shirt underneath, with the jacket + gloves, and a pair of heavy oil-resistant gloves over the cowskin gloves and a mosquito netting hat over the fencing-style hood. (Note: the yellow jackets will make a new nest with every honeycomb!)
The Good News: no stings, even when trying to remove a nest in a compost trash bag by physically scraping it with my (gloved) hands and throwing the honeycomb onto a fire pit. The yellow jackets swarmed on my gloves, boots, and near my head, but never stung me. I found one yellow jacket in my boot while taking everything off back inside (Tie those laces tight!).
The Bad News: this double/triple layering method is hotter than a sauna, especially with a fear effect making me break out in a sweat every time I heard the yellow jackets near my head. And working near a lit fire pit. The yellow jackets WILL try to get under your jacket and get up to your neck, so you also need to be self-ware of any crawling assassins (I had one, but it never got me).
Why the Army combat uniform? It is made of a very dense-knit, heavy material to prevent tears. That also prevents stings.
The oil-resistant heavy plastic gloves will keep the bee suit gloves clean, but full of sweat. Another layer to deny stings.
Still need to go after the honeycomb left behind that has formed two nests.
Very nice and important information, like all videos stuffs. Great work.
Thank you Pedro! :)
I really like that camo one.👍🏼🐝🍯🍻
It's my go-to when things heat up! :)
I would definitely need a bee suit otherwise I would be a swollen gasping mess. The ventilated one for me that you tested in the other video!
I love that suit... it's in the 90's here, without that suit, I wouldn't be attending the bees at all... until the cool down :)
Mr. Dunn, good info for beginners in North America but not for folks in other countries or region.
Thank you for sharing all of this. I appreciate it.
Thank YOU for watching and commenting so often! Glad you enjoyed it.
I really like this format of video, keep it up Fred
Thank you so much Dominic!
Well done. The camouflage suit in the ending made fade into the background! Lol. Always enjoy your work and information.
Thank you Kevin! I appreciate that you watched to the very end :)
Always! Curious, what software are you using for your editing.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC2018 for now
Most I informitave vedio on bee clothing o have seen and first one on dealing with a rogue hive.
THAMKS
Thank you so much Steve, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for your videos , love the way you explain things , I’m looking at beekeeping as a hobby and just love your channel .
HI Linhatula, thanks so much! I'm glad you took the time to comment and I wish you all the best in your learning venture :)
I have a research project on beekeeping this is so helpful thx!
You're welcome!
I grew up helping my Mom with her hive... but man... your videos are so informative! Thanks!
I am looking forward to adding bees to my farm here soon as well.
Thank you! I appreciate that you took the time to watch and comment :)
Well I appreciate the FAR MORE time and prep to make the video.. ;)
I like the music track at the end too!
:)
Wow, real information in real scenario's. Seems so many video's are doing just what you said and neglect to provide the information for protection in the event of aggressive bee's. I am a novice and appreciate the help minus the bravado of naked bee keeping prowess among those bee elite's.
Thank you, I'm so glad it was helpful :)
WARNING ⚠️: 🛑
I'm Not a Beekeeper But You can Bet Your Bottom Dollar *, I'm Going "FULL SUIT", Full Protection, the Whole nine yards! Call Me a Coward, I Don't Care. lol* I'm sorry, *I Aint taking No Chances!* I'll Never Be Complacent! Better Safe That Sorry! GREAT Info my good fellow!
Great Video (as usual).Thanks for your perspective!
You're welcome Thomas, thanks for taking time to comment :)
Thank you for the presentation, I will be looking into purchasing the Max Pro, I have a yellow jacket problem in my area and that suit will really help. Can you recommend a pair of gloves to go with the suit? Thank you
Great vid! Just got stung 5 times . 4 were warnings and one embedded right in the forehead ! I have the elastic coat with attached veil type u showed . They got in. I’m looking for a new suit. I got the goat skin gloves very nice. My bees are usually docile but maybe it’s due to honey flow. They got nasty. Smoker didn’t help much at all.
Glad to help and thanks for watching! There is also a balance when smoking the bees, sometimes too much smoke can put them on the defensive. Glad you like the goat skin gloves, they are far better than thick leather and the bees react to them less.
Thank you for your video, I'm in the western NC mountains and from Aug - October Yellow Jackets burrowed in the ground become extremely aggressive. The problem is when weed whacking my large property I discover their nests when it's too late and I'm normally stung multiple times. Can you recommend the best equipment to protect during the nest discovery phase that would be cool but still provide protection? They have stung me through canvas pants with flannel lining (Not cool) and even cow hide leather gloves. They always seem to go for the face which I read is normal but I'm obviously not much of a fan of. Thanks!
Staying cool but still providing protection is a balancing act. Look into Guardian Bee Apparel, tell them I sent you. Wear tall boots. The key is to wear enough clothing that the stingers aren't long enough to reach your skin. I'm sorry to say that you're going to have to layer up for those aggressive wasps. 1/4" is the general rule. Vented suits can help.
Great demo Mr: Dunn. Informative and explained very well. I’ve got a hypersensitivity to Bees especially from BumbleBee venom it’s absolutely horrible being stung by them. Swelling limbs 3-4x their size and food poisoning symptoms for 24 to 36 hours so I’m one who requires a suit to be as protected as possible against a sting. HoneyBees not so much but I wouldn’t wish to find out from a swarm sting at some point. So I agree with your opinions and explanations as to why people should and when they should use a suit to be in the hobby of BeeKeeping to keep it safe and fun.
Thank you Alter Egos if I had a honey bee sting allergy, and if it were at all serious, I would have to think long and hard before taking on bees as a hobby. My Grandmother had to stop keeping bees because my Grandfather actually developed a sensitivity after being stung so many times. Human health and well being first... always :) Thank you for being a frequent viewer and commenter on my videos :)
I got into Bee Lining because I had very bad reactions to HB stings (Dads idea - keep your friends close and enemies closer) and wanted to know where the lived so I could hunt them down and kill them ( I was 12 and we had a farm with lots of "wild" bees). However when studying my foe - I found them to Bee quite predicable and focused. The more I watched the more I stopped hating . . . By the time I was 16 I found myself with 8 hives. Somewhere along the line I stopped reacting to stings but I don't remember when. Now I spend all Spring rescuing swarms that no one else wants to get..... to make up for those 3 or 4 I destroyed long ago.
That's an interesting story Daniel... glad you found a vocation while taking the long way around the barn :)
Here are some great items of clothing to wear for beekeeping use a trash bag when you commit bee eugenics I love these goatskin gloves!
You can also use soapy water to drown the bees.
Not something I'd personally do. But sure, it would work.
How quickly can a hive become "hot"? Is it a matter of hours, days? And do pheromones play a part in the aggressiveness levels in once calm bees?
There is no blanket answer for that. Depending what's going on with the colony, they can become defensive overnight. If they have lost a queen, over several days or weeks. Many variables.
@@FrederickDunn thanks for the answer, much appreciated.
Mr. Dunn, I've tried to find the Sovereign model of Natural Apiary suit but cannot find it, even on their website. I did find the "max protect" suit and maybe that's the one you're speaking of. Anyway, I thought it was worth mentioning for the sake of your review, which BTW was excellent. Thank you for the video!
Thanks Tim, I think they ran into some copyright issues with the Sovereign name? Now they just call it the Max Protect Suit. They changed the name right after I got these... sorry for the confusion, it was a tad odd indeed. AND, my new favorite suits are made by FlowHive.. thick knee pads and elbow pads... oh well, everything seems to be in a constant state of change. :) Thanks for watching my videos by the way :)
Frederick Dunn Would you recommend the FlowHive model for someone who needs protection from wasps and hornets?
Thank you sir. Very well done and informative video.
You're welcome and thanks so much for commenting!
Nice video
Great tips here. :)) But i have one for your leather gloves to make them last longer and become soft and nice to work with. Take some fat /lard and rub into them. its easiest to do this while you wear them, just work the fat in the same way you would do if you had really dry hands. Hope this can be helpful for someone :)
I don't use cowhide at all anymore, goatskin is more acceptable to the bees. But if you really need some protection in extreme circumstances, leather works, I use saddle soap to soften them. Thanks for sharing what you do :)
@@FrederickDunn I understand. i`m not even sure we can get goatskin here. yes saddle-soap that sounds good. i don`t have a horse so i did not think about that. but i know Shawn James over @My Self reliance use fat to protect all his leather and iron tools. and i tried it on my work glows and it did wonders to them :)
You can also purchase some wrist-length or forearm-length "oil resistant" heavy plastic gloves for low cost ($9-$12 at the time of this writing). Putting these "oil resistant" gloves OVER your cowhide-with-elbow-length-cloth gloves will keep your cowhide gloves clean and prevent stings from wasps and yellow jackets. You will lose some dexterity with each layer of gloves, of course. Tool stores also sell elbow-length plastic oil-length gloves, for that extra protection and cleanliness. (You will sweat a lot from the wrists to the fingertips.)
I really like that Natural Apiary Sovereign suit. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find one larger than 2XL. The torso of that 2XL is too short for me. I purchased it exclusively for dealing with Hornets and Wasp and its 240 GSM cotton material looks really tough. I had to return it. My solution was (eventually) locating a 280 GSM cotton suit in a larger size. I have not used it yet but I will be soon. I am hoping the 280 GSM suit gives me even more protection.
When I go to war, it's what I wear!
Happy Thanksgiving Dunn family!👍
Thank you so much and the same to you! :)
Hey Frederick, could you please share with me where you got that hood that zips into the suit? The one you zipped on at time 26mins. Thank you
HI Brad, I think that's Guardian Bee Apparel, please look for the site link in the video description :)
Funny ending. :) Do you feel like the camouflage suit has any impact on bees' behavior?
That's my current favorite suit to wear and the bees ignore me in that suit as much as they do the white suits, so, I'm not sure they care. BUT, I did wear it when I investigated an Africanized colony and they weren't impressed by it either. I've come to think that a bee suit doesn't have as great an impact on bee defensiveness as our activities do. I also really enjoy the heavy duty ventilated suits being made by Guardian Bee Apparel, zippered veil!
Thank you so much. A lot of good info. I’m gonna order this Natural Apiary Sovereign. I can even keep my Epi pen in that pocket. But I’ve got a nest To take down some red wasps I’m dealing with. I think they’re solitary though. It’s just they’re on the very very top of my porch deck. Gotta get a bigger ladder to even get to them.
Thanks again, under that this NA: Sovereign what should I wear underneath? (Im severely allergic also)
Wear long sleeve shirt and long pants under the Max-Protect suit. You CAN, take a garden sprayer, adjust it to a solid-stream, mix up Dawn Ultra-free and clear dish soap with water at 2 tablespoons per gallon, mix is up well. Then pump it up and spray the nest into pieces. The Dawn Ultra kills the wasps and the force of the sprayer will blow apart the next annnd, you get a clean porch ceiling :) This is easy on the environment, and deadly for any insects that you need to deal with: amzn.to/3TI3DKW
Thank you for your videos. I was wondering if you could share for the natural apiary beekeeping suit. I’m purchasing the poly cotton blend, wondering if I can interchange the Protective hoods? It comes with the fencing bill but I would be interested in the other round one that they have. I just did not know if they are all interchangeable on the suits?
For my suits from Natural Apiary, all of their veils are interchangeable.
This dude should teach a perfect English class
I was stung by a big hornet once on my left cheek. It had swollen up so much I couldn’t see out of my left eye for almost 2 days. Do you think that is normal or am I allergic? I’m pretty sure my breathing wasn’t affected.
Hi Nicholas, that's a pretty dramatic response, the fact that you didn't suffer any respiratory distress is important, but that definitely did show some sensitivity to the venom. I would consult your physician as some people become less allergic, while others experience advanced sensitivity with subsequent stings. Document your symptoms and consult your Dr.
Could you use a fencing or hema mask for head protection?
I wouldn't, they zoom in from the back.
I'm thinking of starting my first hive. I have a few dogs in a fenced in yard, how far away should I put the hive to make sure that they don't bother each other?
I would put them in a location where you have a solid barrier between the bees and dog area. For example, a stockade fence would have the bees flying up and over, rather than through your dog adjacent fence. My dog hasn't had issues with bees, but some dogs can be highly allergic and suffer shock and diarrhea when stung.
@@FrederickDunn Okay, thank you. I'll put them about 20 yards from them on the other side of a storage building I have.
I do have a question how do you keep your stuff so clean
Tide Free...
Thanks for another great video
You're welcome and thank you for watching and taking time to comment!
I need to get on a tractor and clear some brush that has tons of ground nesting stinging insects. I think they are wasps and hornets. Will these suits prevent stings entirely, or do they make it harder for the insect to find a good spot? I mean, if it lands on an area of the suit that is tight to your skin is it going to penetrate the suit and hit you? I don't know if I am allergic.
If you get one of the Max Protect Bee Suits and wear long pants and long sleeved shirts underneath, I think you will have the best sting protection you can get.
@@FrederickDunn Thank you very much.
Thank you for the video
You're welcome Mike and thank you for taking the time to watch as well as comment :)
Thank you. Very interesting.
Glad you enjoyed it!
questions > you commented to someone that bees are very interested in high contrast areas. Is the reason the suits are all white due to that being the least attractive or less annoying to the bees? Does it really matter what colors or patterns a person wears? You have the camo suit, does that attract bees more or less then white? Are a solid color [like > blue? purple? green? pink?] more or less a problem then a multi colored suit? The reason I am asking is, we were planning to lightly dye the suits individual color/s per person. and yes one wants a tie-dye suit. I know you do tests and studies. Have you ever done or known of anyone who has done bee color preferences and mood reactions? This might be an important interesting subject for a video, cause so far I have not seen mentioned.
That's a great question! When you have a field of white adjacent to a contrast dark point such as eyes etc, the bees/wasps/hornets will investigate those areas. It's been my experience that overall coloration such as camo isn't an attention getter. BUT, I have to suggest that wearing solid black may be something to avoid. If you tint or die blues, pinks, greens etc.. even camo of various colors, you won't get much of a rise from the bees based on that alone. Tie-dye ( I have several tie-died hats ) the bees don't seem to care about those either. Smooth fabrics and avoid black and I think you're fine.
@@FrederickDunn thank you very much for the helpful answers. we don't plan to wear black out in the hot sun, more of a pastel tinting of color/s. but a big happy smile is sent for you saying tie-dye is ok! guess come spring my washer is going to be doing lots of vinegar Rite Color Dyes.
Do you keep an epi-pen handy? wondering if a doctor would prescribe one to just have in case of emergency
No, I don't...
May I have your opion on the flow hive pros and cons thanks I will suit up for first year and see then
Hi Ray the only flow-hive downside for now, is the cost. I also wish they offered medium supers instead of just the full sized boxes. They are well made and I can't imagine going back to pulling frames for honey harvesting. Also, I recommend the 7 frame flow, which is the 10 frame Langstroth matchup. Their six frame boxes are a little small for me in the northeast. They are definitely headed in the right direction and I can't complain about the hives I have from them.
@@FrederickDunn Thank you
Would you please look and give me advice on how you would go about it cheers ruclips.net/video/43NU5Djchzk/видео.html
I found your video looking for a cheap suit because I have a huge bald faced hornet nest in my front yard that is hanging too close to the ground for my liking. I'm allergic and really not wanting to take them out myself but none of the companies will do it as a one time service. 😥
If you lived near by I'd take them out for you. ruclips.net/video/boT4C-g5JRY/видео.html
@@FrederickDunn I'll pay for your flight! Where are you?? I'm in NC.
It's awesome sir thanks
Thank you and you're welcome!
I got a bee suit to remove wild bee and wasp nests. It does not seem think enough to defeat a stinger.
Depending up on what I'm dealing with, I put layers of clothing on under the bee suit, and a baseball cap to keep the veil away from my face. European hornets have longer stingers. Layer up and they can't get the stingers to your skin. I realize this is hard when it's very hot outside.
@@FrederickDunn And here I thought Bee suits were what you needed to defeat the stingers. Can't anyone just wear three layers of clothes?
How do you think the 3-layer suits (e.g. the Zephyros) compare to the single-layer suits (e.g. the Max Protect) in terms of sting protection?
For honey bees, yes, I'd call them equal. BUT if you're going into a situation with wasps or hornets, then no. Max protect and heavy clothes beneath would be recommended.
@@FrederickDunn Do you think the Guardian Bee Apparel Ventilated Bee suits would work against Wasps? I have watch a lot of your videos, LOVE them, never thought about bees until I watched your video. Really informing but I have a wasp (sweat bee) nest inside my bay window and they are starting to get into my house now. I need them gone and thought about getting a bee suit to help me get rid of them. Is the vented suit good for wasps or will I need to get the full Natural Apiary Max Pro Cotton suit instead. Was hoping to just get one suit. I know this is a loaded question for you and not trying to put you on the spot but one way or another I will probably do it anyway so wanting someone advise.
Man i just got my bees and we put them in about 2 weeks ago and they got into my suit and got stung about 20 times best 1st time experience
I hope things have improved for you since then :)
You are the first person I have watched who actually noticed the change of frequency (sound) for different activities! On your Natural Apairy suit, does it lay against the body to the point you can be stung thur the material? I live in Tn. and it gets quite warm, plus my flight response kicks in so I tend to sweat heavily. Most suits become an oven for me, how well does the NA suits breathe, any suggestion are welcome. How do you clean the gloves to allow them leather to last? I had a pallet collapse, dumping the hive over... They were not happy campers, chased me down the driveway!! I have worked them since then and have not had an issue with them since I placed a plastic pallet under the hives....
Hi Stephanie, to keep your gloves pliable, I use saddle soap :) I should have mentioned that. As for the bee suit, if you're really looking for a suit that breathes really well and won't get you all sweaty in those warm days and still protect you, here is what I recommend: www.honeyflow.com/shop/accessories/bee-suit-ventilated-mesh/p/205 great protection and you will be comfortable... this suit wasn't out when I made this video, or I would have shared about it. I have then now and love them!
Thankyou for the promt reply! I will check out the hive flow site, and the vented safari hat?
the vented had is from Mann Lake.. I paid too much for it on Amazon! But Mann Lake charges a lot for shipping.
Have u tried the Guardian bee suits?
ruclips.net/video/L2IIOj9fSKE/видео.html sure, I like those too!
i have a yellow jacket nest I need to take out, and the wife got stung twice, way worse than a bee.
would a carhart onesie hood and gloves be good enough?
I also have one of those tyvex suits for painting.
Yes, as long as you also have something to protect your face, there are simple insect veils that keep those stingers from making contact with your skin. I wish you all the best there.
@@FrederickDunn amazon had a somewhat more cost effective jacket with hood attached and I ordered the cowhide gloves you recommended.
Happy Thanksgiving! Another great video Fred! I have all my supplies picked out and ready to order, but I had a question about your hygienic bees. Where can I buy those that will deliver them? I haven't asked around locally yet. Just wondering if you pick up your bees or have them delivered. A response is not expected until AFTER turkey is eaten, nap is taken, and football is over!
Hi Trixiegirl! I just buy queen bees and I get them from BeeWeaver.com I have already placed my order for 2018 so that I'll have queens coming in. You can catch a swarm, or buy package bees locally, then just get the queens you want and make splits with them :) Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!
Awesome video, thank you for making it. I am considering getting a vented suit. Guardian Bee Apparel full suit is the one I am considering. It just so hot down here in the south. Wondering if you would make reviews of the best vented suits?
Hi Craig, I did a review of my favorite vented suit... I have one coming from natural apiary, but my favorite one is with a zippered fencing veil..... I'll share the link for you, they are made by a family in the U.S. and the guy that designed it suffered heat stress in his full suit and decided to make and sell something better. Here is the link Ohhh it is Guardian Bee Apparel :) ruclips.net/video/L2IIOj9fSKE/видео.html I LOVE this suit!!!
Frederick Dunn Thanks! for the help. I texted Guardian bee apparel via a Facebook. And told them what I was wanting. They said it a couple of months they will have pants for sale to be used with their vented jacket. So I think that what I will be buying when it becomes available. Not everyday full protection is needed, but pants would be nice for those intense days
Oh, that sounds good! They are great people!
Very sensible advice. I also admire the ‘be prepared’ habit too. Just a small question, you said bees don’t have really excellent sight, does it make a difference if you wear a camo pattern suit or a white/bright one? Do they respond differently assuming they haven’t laid down any pheromones?
Hi Kym! The camo suit is just for people appeal.. the bees are aware of where our eyes are (the veil helps reduce that visual contrast) and they are smelling our breath and are aware of the CO2 we're exhaling. A white suit is best if you want to be less visually threatening to a bee. I wear the camo when I'm laying in a meadow observing ground wasps, or in places where I don't want to be a conspicuous white dot in the landscape :)
A Bee keeper in the area has a bear face drawn on the back of his suit - could help but not on the camo :)
Good to know (don’t bother with the camo). I would like to take a small CO2 cylinder and see if CO2 alone will clue them in or if other things in our breath are necessary. I am curious that way!
what brand of knee high boots do you use for maximum protection?
Probably any knee-high boots will suffice, I personally use Muck boots www.muckbootcompany.com/men.html
thank you
which style and color of muck boots do you use?
www.muckbootcompany.com/mens-multi-purpose-boot.html these... and I like the moss color!
Thank You again!!
In my country we only wear pajama and a helmet and gloves
I don't have bees but there a be hive in a wall in my back on the neighbors property . I don't mind in fact I like them for my plants.. My question is when I use my shredder and that's when they start to really come out . I have been stung 3 time face, foot, hand I think it's the vibration of the chipper .. I need it for my mulch need a bee keepers suit.
It sounds like you do need some protection if you plan to continue working near those bees.
Frederick Dunn I look up and cost at the moment well can you tell me if a used bee keepers suit would a better deal ?
@@expatconn7242 I personally would not purchase a used beekeeper suit, BUT, I would contact Guardian Bee Apparel to see if someone returned one that didn't fit? That could be a good way to receive a new, but discounted suit.
Frederick Dunn I will do that thank you
@@expatconn7242 You're welcome!
This should be a link on all sites selling suits . . . but you need to add a runway and turn . . I want to look good walking away . . .
:) I "almost" did a close out of me running through the woods in slow motion with a smoker :)
Towards or away from a Hive . . . I have "decorated" one bee suit to look like Doc Brown - pocket clip (queen cage) yellow gloves and all - doesn't hurt that I have wild white hair - kids love it - I should make a smoker out of an old RAD counter.....
That's funny Daniel! That should be your profile photo!
I am having hard time finding beekeeping suit in my size. I am 7 feet tall. Seen some 4 or 5 extra large. Have some ideas what might work for me?
You may have to get a custom tailored suit, I would contact one of the manufacturers in your country and see if a XXXLarge suit could be altered for you?
@@FrederickDunn l live in usa
I would buy the best suit I could find, as close to my size as possible, then go to a good tailor and have it extended where necessary.
P.S. like the Vented hat, where is it from?
It's from amazon... the link is in the description.. I feel that it's overpriced though.
I learned alot...thank you
ok,do you have anything especially for your kids,just in case you start having trouble with those asian giant hornets,those things have a half inch stinger,and not sure if they are in the area but how about the red paper wasp,and just in case if these get here who knows if they will but what if warrior wasps start showing up
Most bee suit companies make child sized full suits. I have several of them for my grandsons.
I remember wearing that
:) Glad you watched this my nephew :) I had you model this many years ago when we were giving a presentation to the Whole Foods Coop :)
I just want to be as armored as possible when dealing with my property's red wasp infestation.
Max Protect is your best choice still. Wear long sleeves and long pants underneath for that extra bit of thickness.
@@FrederickDunn Will do! I really appreciate the reply! Ive had about all I can take of these things and its about time I serve them an eviction notice.
Haha 28:44 where did he go!?
This one has his legs on both sides of the hive
Hi dear how can i find bee keeping suit
Links are in the video description.
Hey Fred, do you have an opinion on Ventilated suits? In Connecticut the summers are hot and humid. Sounds like a good idea but was wondering what you think?
I currently have two ventilated suits, one is a jacket and the other is full length.. this will sound like a suspicious advertisement, but it's by FlowHive... they have knee pads, pockets with velcro and have the fencing style veil... best I've found... www.honeyflow.com/shop/accessories/bee-suit-ventilated-mesh/p/205
Side note, I don't receive any compensation for giving you that link :)
Wow, $150 for a good suit, gloves and a hive tool. Thanks Frederick. I'm measuring tonight and ordering. Now that is the kind of advice we need on RUclips.
You're going to like it! Very well made... thanks!
Got it today. The only thing I didn't like is I bought an XL and they wouldn't let me change gloves to L. Oh well, I'm sure to meet someone at a bee club that would want to swap. Love the suit. Thanks for you advice.
Would you be interested in trying out guardian bee apparel? Would love you feedback.
Tell me more? :)
Shoot me an email if you would like, guardianbeeapparel@gmail.com
Yes, Terry, I would LOVE trying out some Guardian Bee Apparel suits :) as you know, your suit is my favorite vented suit and I've updated the information in the video description. I'm so glad that we finally met! No one makes a better vented vee suit, you can quote me on that ;)
You are awesome! I know your ears must be ringing because I talk about you all the time, and I would be honored to add a testimonial to the website 😃! I need to send you some of our other stuff we have added so you can make sure I'm staying on track. Your opinion is "Gold!"
I like the beard!
Thanks :)
Are there any spider suits?
A full bee suit would probably help you with spiders also... what are you getting into Rusty!?
Frederick Dunn I have a spider infestation and I find them all over in my plants, pool, front and back yard, even sometimes in my car.
I think they’re brown recluse
Also is it just me or does Mr. Dunn look like a better version of Sean Connery???
THAT is Funny :) and fyi, there is no "better version" of Sean! ;) or should I say Sir.. Sean.
Hello sir
Great video - thank you! It seems the Sovereign is no longer sold. Do you have any current recommendations for “Max Protection” suits when dealing with hornets or other aggressive stingers? Also what’s the best thing to wear under the suit when trying to maximize protection? Thanks again!!
Hi Dan, they still make it and it's available in camo if you like that :) If I'm really going-in on a hostile hornet, wasp, Africanized bee event, I wear jeans and long sleeved sweatshirt under the Max Protect suit. The longest stingers haven't gotten through yet. I also recommend the large round veil to keep them away from the back of your head unless you want to have to wear a hoodie up. Here is the current Max suit: amzn.to/3iZgmHM
@@FrederickDunn Thanks for the detailed response! Do you have experience with the 3-layer ventilated suits e.g. the Zephyros: www.amazon.com/dp/B01JPICVXG/ How do you think they compare in terms of sting protection?
Any thoughts on this?
Any one looking for a bee protection suits ,can contact me.
I've knocked down a wasp nest before. I ran as soon as I knocked it and I still got a wasp on the inside of my tee shirt somehow.
They are awesome like that!