Hello.......

[madasafish]

I have to endorse Gavin's point. I start beginners off with marigolds and then encourage them to switch to nitriles and then gloveless. If I feel afraid to inspect any of mine without gloves they get requeened. Friendly bees and gentle handing is the key to enjoying your beekeeping in my opinion.

+1

If I am afraid to go barehanded, time for a little queen killing.. Beekeeping should be enjoyable..

[HJBee]

I don't agree, it's just to be cautious and feel protected. I think this is a personal choice, rather than right or wrong.

[Jon]

I have been helping with beginner practical classes for the past few weeks and those who do their handling in Marigolds, or better still nitriles, are much better handlers than those who wear the leather gauntlets.
Wearing leather gloves puts you at a huge disadvantage as a beekeeper and tends to rile up the bees.

[Rosie]

I agree with you to some extent HJ but I do think that there is an element of right and wrong: rubber or skin are a matter of choice but leather is always wrong.

[Rosie]

Another piece of kit that's always wrong in my opinion is the bee brush. Bees don't mind being flicked away with the tip of a feather or something else that is light and flexible but brushing is just brutal. Both brushes and leather gauntlets are supplied with beginners' packs and I always try to steer people well away from these packs just to avoid them.

[Jon]

Agree Steve re. the brush as well. A good shake gets 95% of the bees of a frame.

[HJBee]

I will give the nitriles a go next time I place an order.

[Maybee]

I will give the nitriles a go next time I place an order.

Hi, Where would you order them from ?

[snimmo243]

I've worn leather from the start and as it looks like I'm now allergic will need to continue with leather

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[HJBee]

Thornes, as I would be ordering other stuff at the same time, but other places will stock them, I'm sure someone will confirm the cheapest. H