Beekeeper Gloves

How to choose beekeeping gloves

Beekeeping gloves aren't chosen just for “not getting stung”. They're chosen for the balance between protection, dexterity, comfort and type of work. A very thick glove gives security, especially at the start, but it can also make you clumsier: you handle the frames worse, crush more bees and the colony can get more nervous. For a beginner, I'd usually recommend starting with a leather glove with a gauntlet, because it protects the hand, wrist and forearm well. For a more experienced beekeeper, or for tasks where you need more precision, I'd look at nitrile, latex or thin leather gloves, always assuming that more dexterity usually means less of a barrier against stings.

My advice is to choose the material according to the real use. Leather gloves, especially if they're thin or well-worked leather, give a touch that's hard to match and very good protection; that said, a stinger can stay embedded in the glove's leather and it's worth checking them after working. Nitrile ones work very well for those looking for hygiene, easy cleaning and sensitivity, but if they're thin or too tight they protect less. Latex ones are flexible and comfortable, although they don't always have the same durability. And cotton ones can add comfort and breathability, but I wouldn't use them as the only protection on defensive colonies. Before buying, I'd look at the size, the length of the gauntlet, the wrist fit, breathability, ease of cleaning and the real level of dexterity. For me, the best glove isn't the most armoured one: it's the one that lets you work calmly without losing sensitivity or punishing the colony.