​I get asked about protective gear quite a bit, so here are my thoughts for new backyard beekeepers.  First, unless you are allergic or really nervous, you don’t need a suit.  Stick to a jacket or veil.  Now, as to the type, I’ve used a few.  In the top left is a simple veil – I keep these around because they are handy, lightweight, and useful when just doing something simple.  In the bottom right is the “standard” or “budget” jacket made out of cotton and poly.  I’ve used it for years and it works, but in Hampton Roads, Virginia it is really, really hot in the summer.  So, I’ve moved on to ventilated fabrics.  There are two leaders here (though many others) – PROVent and Ultra Breeze.  I’ve used both and prefer the Ultra Breeze, though both work fine.  The Ultra Breeze cools better for me, has higher quality zippers, the hood is slightly better in shape, and (yes, this is a pet peeve) they do not slap a giant non-breathable logo on the chest!  At the end of the day, buy what you can afford and wear what makes you comfortable working with your hives…even if that is a full suit.  

It was in the 70's last week in Williamsburg, which means the bees all broke cluster and enjoyed some cleansing flights.  There is a risk with the warm/cold cycle of days as we go into January and February.  The bees will use more resources (honey) when they break cluster.  To help them through the winter I put dry sugar on the inner cover.  This absorbs moisture, as well as provides emergency food.  How much they use it varies by hive (size, stores, etc).  The hive in this photo went into winter very strong and I was not surprised to see some bees on the inner cover when I checked them.