Bee stings are painful, and can take the fun out of beekeeping. One of the things you can do to avoid being stung is to use some protective equipment and clothing.

Bee Suit and Veil: If you are planning to make a business out of keeping bees, it might be a good to own a bee suit and veil. If you wear a bee suit, you will not get stung. A complete bee suit costs a lot of money. These suits are very hot, and some people have trouble seeing out of the veil. If you cannot afford to buy a bee suit, a long sleeved shirt and long trousers will protect you.

Veil: A simple veil is cheaper and more comfortable. Some come with a hat attached, others will fit over a hat. If you wear a long sleeved shirt and long pants, a veil can give you good protection. Stings on the face are sometimes the most painful. A veil can prevent these. Veils made from mosquito netting are easy to see through. Remember to lift your veil when you want to taste the honey!

Gloves: Long sleeved beekeepers gloves are good, but they are expensive and hard to work with. It is quite hard to catch a queen while wearing gloves. Plastic kitchen gloves are cheaper, but the plastic sometimes gets sticky when they get covered with wax, propolis, and honey. If you use smoke properly, the bees usually do not sting your hands. Some beekeepers do not wear gloves.

Bee Smoker: A smoker is a very good tool for preventing stings. Often you do not need protective clothing when you use a smoker. Spraying some cool smoke into the entrance of a hive, under the lid, and between the frames can make the bees calm and gentle so that they do not want to sting you.

Hive Tool:  This tool will make it easier for you to open your hive and remove the frames. You will not bang or break things.  Being gentle when you work with your hive helps the bees stay quiet and not sting.

Hive Blanket: After they have opened a hive, some beekeepers like to keep the frames covered with a wet piece of calico while they look at the frames one at a time.  While one frame is removed for inspection the blanket covers the other frames keeping the bees dark, cool, and calm.

Bee Brush: Sometimes you need to remove the live bees from a frame of wax. A special bee brush may be bought to gently brush the bees off the frame. You can also use a clean new paint brush to do this.  A handful of soft grass or flowers also works.