Beekeeping Guide
Aftercare: What to Do After a Hive Session (Stings, Cleaning & Gear)
Finished your inspection? Here’s a simple routine to care for yourself and your gear so the next visit is calmer, cleaner, and safer.
If You Get Stung: Quick First Aid
- Remove the stinger fast: Scrape it away with a card edge or fingernail. Avoid pinching the venom sac.
- Wash the area: Soap and cool water.
- Reduce swelling: Apply a cold compress (10–15 minutes on, then off). Elevate if on a limb.
- Itch & redness: An OTC oral antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream can help—follow the label or ask a pharmacist.
- Pain: Consider an OTC pain reliever as directed on the label.
- Multiple stings? Take breaks, cool the areas, hydrate, and monitor how you feel.
Tip: If a stinger is in your clothing, remove that piece and rinse it; clean the skin underneath before suiting back up.
Allergy & When to Seek Help: Call emergency services if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face/throat, widespread hives, dizziness/fainting, or symptoms that worry you. If you’ve been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, use it as directed and seek medical care. This guide is general information, not medical advice.
Post-Session Routine (5 Minutes)
- Air out gear: Hang your suit and veil to dry and release smoke/sweat odors.
- Wipe and check gloves: Remove propolis/honey; look for snags or pinholes at fingertips and seams.
- Tools: Scrape sticky residue from hive tool and smoker; empty smoker safely once cool.
- Spills & alarm odor: Spot-rinse sticky areas. For persistent odor on fabric, a brief 1:10 white-vinegar rinse then a normal cold wash can help (test first).
Cleaning Your Suit & Veil
- Suits & jackets: Close zips; remove detachable veils. Machine wash cold, gentle with mild detergent. No bleach or fabric softener.
- Veils: Hand-wash gently; avoid high heat that can warp mesh or visors.
- Drying: Hang dry out of direct sun. High heat can damage elastic, mesh, and coatings.
- Leather gloves: Wipe with damp cloth + mild soap; air dry fully; condition lightly after dry. For nitrile, use fresh pairs.
Small Repairs Now, Fewer Stings Later
- Check zippers (especially veil joins) and pulls; tighten or replace if loose.
- Inspect elastic at wrists/ankles; replace if stretched.
- Patch tiny fabric snags before they grow. Keep a small repair kit in your bee box.
Log & Store
- Note-taking: Record date, weather, temperament, stings (if any), and to-dos for next time.
- Storage: Once fully dry, store suit and veil in a breathable bag, away from fuels or strong household scents.
Comfort & Safety: A slightly looser suit fit keeps fabric off the skin, improves airflow, and helps limit noticeable stings next time.