The importance of beekeeping gloves cannot be overstated. While bees are undeniably vital to our ecosystem, their defensive mechanisms can be quite formidable. A single sting from an irritated bee can be painful enough, but for those with certain allergies or compromised immune systems, the consequences can be much more severe. It’s crucial then that beekeepers take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves against these potential threats.
Quality beekeeping gloves are a fundamental component of this safety protocol. Not only do they provide a physical barrier against stings, but they also promote comfort and dexterity during long periods spent tending to beehives. By investing in durable, comfortable, and sting-proof gloves, enthusiasts can focus on the joy of beekeeping without worrying about the risks.
The 8 Best Beekeeping Gloves
When it comes to beekeeping, protecting oneself from stings is crucial. Beekeepers rely on a variety of tools and equipment to ensure their safety while tending to the bees. One such essential item is beekeeping gloves. A good pair of beekeeping gloves can make all the difference in preventing injuries and discomfort. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the top-rated beekeeping glove options available on the market.
Our top pick is the Natural Apiary Beekeeping Gloves, which are designed to provide excellent protection and grip for handling bees. Other notable brands include KINGLAKE, Mr. Bee, Buzz Bee Supplies, VIVO Medium, Beaver Beekeeping Gloves, and GLOVEWORKS Nitrile Gloves.
Our Top Pick for the Best Beekeeping Gloves
When it comes to selecting the best beekeeping gloves, our top recommendation is the Natural Apiary Beekeeping Gloves. These exceptional gloves not only provide an unbeatable level of protection but also ensure a comfortable fit. Unlike many other options available in the market, these gloves will prevent you from getting stung by your hardworking bees, thereby allowing you to focus on the rewarding experience of beekeeping without any discomfort or concern for the well-being of your colony.
How to Choose the Best Beekeeping Gloves
Overall Design
Beekeeping gloves are a crucial part of beekeeping attire, designed specifically to shield beekeepers from painful stings and discomfort. The primary feature is the thick material on the palm side, which acts as an effective barrier against venomous bites from bees, wasps, and hornets. This protective layer extends up the forearms and elbows, thanks to long gauntlet sleeves that provide comprehensive coverage.
To prevent any curious bees from exploring further, elasticized cuffs seal the edges of the gloves, creating a bee-proof seal. Additionally, the integrated breathable ventilated mesh insert allows for optimal airflow and moisture wicking, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable even in hot weather conditions.
Material
While leather is an excellent choice for beekeeping gloves due to its impressive attributes – ultra-strength, longevity, water-resistance, and sting-proofing – it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential drawbacks. The added bulk and weight of thick leather can compromise dexterity when handling tools or equipment. Furthermore, the material’s density may inadvertently crush unsuspecting bees.
In contrast, cotton canvas sleeves provide a balance between protection and flexibility, allowing for a more natural range of motion while working with bees.
Goatskin Beekeeping Gloves
When it comes to beekeeping gloves, natural options like goatskin are gaining popularity. Take the Natural Apiary Beekeeping Gloves, for instance. These gloves boast impressive characteristics – they’re strong, yet supple; lightweight, but still offer flexibility. Goatskin provides exceptional protection from stings, making them a comfortable choice for beekeepers. The material also allows for improved dexterity, making it easier to handle bees.
While goatskin does have its drawbacks, such as being slightly thin and offering limited protection against an angry swarm, many beekeepers find the benefits outweigh the minor limitations.
Cow Leather Beekeeping Gloves
Cow leather beekeeping gloves boast exceptional sting protection from bees, wasps, and hornets. The heavy-duty material boasts added thickness, suppleness, and durability, making it a reliable choice for beekeepers. While this type of leather can be heavier than goatskin, its unique properties do come with some drawbacks – it tends to heat up quickly and the extra thick material around the fingers may compromise your grip on beekeeping tools.
Disposable Rubber Gloves
For many beekeeping enthusiasts, disposable synthetic rubber gloves have become an unlikely favorite. The unique benefits of these gloves include their remarkable strength, comfort, and flexibility around the fingers – making them a popular choice among apiarists. By using disposable gloves, beekeepers can also minimize the risk of transmitting bee diseases, which is particularly important for maintaining healthy colonies.
Among synthetic materials, nitrile is often preferred due to its exceptional durability, stretchiness, and tactile sensitivity. When seeking protection from stings, 8 or 9-mil nitrile gloves are a top recommendation. However, it’s essential to note that disposable gloves can have drawbacks – the material may lose its elasticity over time, causing them to feel clammy in warm weather and potentially triggering allergic reactions in some individuals.
Furthermore, while they provide a certain level of protection, they may not offer the same comprehensive coverage as leather gloves against bee, wasp, and hornet stings.
Size
When searching for the ideal pair of leather beekeeping gloves, it’s essential to consider the size conundrum that often arises due to their bulkiness. The sizes can fluctuate significantly, resulting in a less-than-ideal fit if not measured correctly. To avoid this issue, take the time to accurately measure your hand according to the manufacturer’s provided sizing guide before making a purchase.
This ensures you find a pair that comfortably fits your hand and provides optimal protection during beekeeping activities.
8 Best Beekeeping Gloves – Reviews
FOREST BEEKEEPING SUPPLY Beekeeping Gloves
The FOREST BEEKEEPING SUPPLY Beekeeping Gloves offer superior hand protection for both hobbyists and commercial beekeepers. Crafted with durability in mind, these unique gloves feature strong, supple white goatskin that provides maximum sting-proof resistance. The extended canvas sleeve reaches up to the elbow, ensuring a secure fit. Double-stitching at the wrists and an elastic gauntlet prevent bees from entering the glove.
With a lightweight construction, you’ll maintain dexterity for handling tools, while the breathable vented nylon mesh with foam insert keeps your hands cool and comfortable in hot weather conditions. The gloves cater to both men and women, offering a tailored fit across six sizes: x-small, small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large. The benefits of these gloves include high quality, great value for money, and an affordable price point.
Additionally, the unique design provides maximum sting-proof coverage and protection, making them well-suited for beekeeping enthusiasts.
Natural Apiary Beekeeping Gloves
Natural Apiary’s Beekeeping Gloves provide unparalleled protection and comfort for both hobbyists and professional beekeepers. The thick, durable goatskin construction offers complete coverage from fingertip to elbow, eliminating the need for long-sleeved garments underneath your suit. The extra-long canvas sleeves feature twill elasticated gauntlets that protect your forearms, while the sting-proof canvas cuffs ensure your wrists remain safe from unwanted stings.
For hot weather, the ventilated fabric sleeves allow for airflow and help keep you cool and comfortable. The soft, supple leather on the hands provides exceptional dexterity for intricate tasks like handling tools or removing frames. Available in 7 sizes, including 2x small to xx-large, these unisex gloves come in white goatskin or yellow/cowhide options, with some featuring adjustable drawstrings.
Natural Apiary’s commitment to quality is evident in their product, offering a full replacement or money-back guarantee. While some sections may be slightly thinner than others, the overall value and performance of these gloves make them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable beekeeping accessory.
KINGLAKE Beekeeping Gloves
The KINGLAKE Beekeeping Gloves are an excellent choice for novice beekeepers, providing a reliable barrier against painful stings from bees, wasps, and hornets. The gloves’ unique combination of thick goatskin leather and durable cotton canvas sleeves offers superior protection, extending up the forearm and stopping any curious insects from infiltrating the elasticized cuffs. A breathable design ensures comfortable wear in warm weather conditions.
While not ideal for heavy-duty use or professional applications, these gloves are a great value for beginners, available in large and x-large sizes. The supple leather allows for maximum dexterity when handling tools and hives, making them an essential investment for any budding beekeeper.
Mr.Bee Beekeeping Gloves
The Mr. Bee Beekeeping Gloves offer top-notch protection and comfort for both domestic and smaller commercial beekeepers. Made from premium goatskin leather and heavy-duty cotton canvas, these gloves provide 100% sting-proof confidence during inspections and honey harvests. The gauntlet sleeves feature elastic cuffs with breathable mesh to keep users cool and comfortable. A special stitching design around the thumb ensures excellent dexterity, even for those with arthritis or hand injuries.
Not limited to beekeeping, the gloves are also suitable for gardening and landscaping projects. Available in three sizes – medium, large, and x-large – they cater to both men and women. While not perfect, the pros far outweigh the cons, which include the lack of a small size option and slightly less durable cuffs.
Buzz Beekeeping Supplies Beekeeping Gloves
The Buzz Beekeeping Supplies Beekeeping Gloves are an excellent choice for hobbyists and professional beekeepers alike. Made from premium top-grain cow leather and heavy-duty cotton canvas, these gloves provide unparalleled protection against bee stings. The extra-long gauntlet sleeves with reinforced cuffs ensure a safe distance between you and the hive, even when approaching an agitated colony.
The soft and flexible leather allows for maximum dexterity, making it easy to use your bee-hive tools. The separately sewn keystone thumbs are designed to simplify the process of handling your equipment. With a tailored fit and elastic cuffs, these gloves offer comfort and ease of wear. Additionally, the ventilation strip keeps you cool and makes removing the gloves a breeze.
Available in six sizes (x-small to xx-large), it’s essential to refer to the Buzz Beekeeping Supplies sizing chart to ensure a proper fit. The brand also offers a 100% refund guarantee on these beekeeping gloves. While some users have reported minor issues with seams coming apart or elastic losing its tightness over time, many bee enthusiasts appreciate the overall value and durability of this product.
VIVO Medium Beekeeping Gloves
When starting out in beekeeping, finding the right gear can make all the difference. The VIVO Medium Beekeeping Gloves offer a perfect combination of safety, comfort, and durability, making them an excellent choice for maintaining a small hive population. Designed to complement your beekeeping suit, these off-white gloves provide exceptional protection from painful stings while allowing for good dexterity and flexibility.
The premium goatskin material is thick, soft, and flexible, offering resilience against the rigors of beekeeping. Additionally, the durable cotton sleeves feature an elastic closure that provides total coverage up to the elbows, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout your time in the apiary. Available in four sizes – small, medium, large, and x-large – these gloves are designed to fit a range of users.
While some may find fault with the slightly thinner cotton sleeves, the overall value and affordability of this product make it an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists alike.
Beaver Beekeeping Gloves
Experience the perfect blend of protection and dexterity with the Beaver Beekeeping Gloves. Crafted from thick, soft, and flexible goatskin leather, these gloves provide ultimate bee sting protection while allowing you to move freely. The durable canvas sleeves extend up to the elbow, safeguarding your arms against any unwanted stings. An elastic closure ensures a snug fit, preventing bees from entering the glove.
When working in hot weather or dealing with agitated bees, the breathable mesh insert keeps palms cool and dry, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The gloves are available in an x-large size, suitable for palms measuring 9-11cm. While they may not be ideal for heavy-duty beehive management, they offer great value for money and provide a high level of protection against bee stings.
GLOVEWORKS Nitrile Gloves
When it comes to beekeeping projects, finding the right gloves can be a challenge. However, the GLOVEWORKS Nitrile Gloves stand out from the rest with their exceptional elasticity, puncture resistance, and abrasion resistance. These industrial-grade gloves are made from extra-thick 6-mil nitrile material that provides excellent protection against rips, tears, punctures, and chemicals. The 9.
5-inch long design ensures complete wrist coverage and features an extra thick palm and finger area for added bee sting protection. One of the biggest advantages of these gloves is their latex and powder-free construction, making them an ideal choice for individuals with allergies to rubber. Additionally, they can be used for a variety of other projects, including automotive tasks, and are even FDA-approved for safe contact with food.
The textured surface provides improved tactile sensitivity compared to traditional latex gloves, offering an unbeatable grip even when the gloves are wet. Plus, the stylish black color hides dirt, grease, and grime, keeping the gloves looking great all day long. Available in a box of 100 with four sizes (medium, large, x-large, and xx-large), or a case of 1,000, these gloves offer excellent value for money.
Although they may not be ideal for heavy-duty beekeeping projects, they are a great choice for those looking for high-quality, durable gloves that provide good protection and are easy to use.
Our Top Pick for the Best Beekeeping Gloves
When it comes to selecting the ideal beekeeping gloves, our top recommendation is the Natural Apiary Beekeeping Gloves. We wholeheartedly endorse these exceptional gloves for your beekeeping endeavors. While working with bees can be a profoundly rewarding experience, being stung by them is not only painful but also means that the colony has lost a valuable member.
With this in mind, donning the Natural Apiary gloves will spare you from the discomfort of nasty stings and the distress of losing beloved bees. Dubbed the ‘Rolls Royce of protective clothing’, these gloves boast an unparalleled fit, unbridled comfort, and superior protection. For more information on pricing, please visit Amazon.
