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How to Make a Beekeeper Suit

Beekeeping is one way of ensuring your honey supply. It is an activity that is gaining in popularity as both a hobby and a business. In addition to hives, a beekeeping suit is a tool needed to harvest honey. These suits protect the beekeeper from getting stung, which allows the keeper to work in and around the hives in safety. There are many suit options available for sale, or you can put together your own.

Things You'll Need

Coverall, white or other light color
Elastic
Needle and thread or sewing machine
Sticky backed hook and loop fastener
Wide-brimmed hat
Fine netting
Craft glue
Leather or heavy canvas gloves
Boots

Instructions

- 1
  Sew elastic to the wrist and ankle openings on the coverall. The elastic needs to be tight enough to hold the suit closed while being worn over the gloves and boots.
- 2
  Attach the hook and loop fastener to the neck of the coverall. Pull the paper covering off one half and stick it into place on one side of the neck opening. Press firmly. Repeat with the other half of the fastener on the other side of the neck opening. This holds the netting veil inside the coverall, as well as sealing the neck area from bees.
- 3
  Glue netting all the way around the brim of the hat. The netting should fall at least 4 inches below the neckline of the coverall. This will allow for freedom of movement while protecting the face, neck and head from bees.
- 4
  Put on the beekeeper suit to check for exposed areas. Put on the coveralls. Put on boots, then pull the legs of the coverall over the boots. Put on the hat and tuck in part of the veil. Secure the neckline with the hooks and loop fastener. Finally, pull on the gloves and pull the elastic over the cuffs of the gloves.

Insects & Science