PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

Avoid wearing dark clothing when working around your bees. Using appropriate beekeeping protective clothing reduces the risk of stings and injury.

Your PPE should include a bee suit, veil, gloves and sturdy footwear. Inspect your bee suit regularly and replace damaged items. Once you have your bee suit on and confirmed there is no damage or exposed skin, you can make your way to your hives.

SAFETY PRACTICES BEFORE YOU GO

Make sure to take your phone, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. If you are delayed, phone them and let them know. Where possible, don't work alone.

A useful tool for beekeepers is a three-word location system. It divides the world into three-meter squares, with each square given three unique words. In case of emergency, you can share your precise location. They are also useful for sharing the exact location of your hives, entrance or access point with others.

APPROACHING AND HANDLING HIVES

Approach hives calmly from the side or rear whenever possible. Avoid blocking the bee's flight path as this can trigger defensive behavior.

A smoker can help calm bees during inspections. However, it must be used correctly to avoid burns and fire hazards. Before lighting your smoker, check that it's in good condition, that you have suitable fuel and that the area is clear of anything that could catch fire. Make sure you have a safe place to put the smoker down while you work.

Move slowly and deliberately. Certain movements, vibrations and rough handling can agitate bees and increase the likelihood of stings. Bees do not like strimmers or lawnmowers. If you are using one near the bees, put on your bee suit.

BEE STINGS: NORMAL REACTION

Most amateur beekeepers will experience a sting at some point. While many reactions are mild, some can be life-threatening.

A normal reaction typically includes pain, redness and minor swelling around the sting site. These symptoms generally settle within a few hours.

Promptly remove the stinger if it is still in the skin. Scrape it sideways with something with a hard edge, such as a bank card. Avoid pinching or pulling the stinger with your fingers or tweezers, as this could squeeze venom from the sting.

Wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling. When in doubt, always seek medical advice as soon as possible.

SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS

In some cases, a bee sting can cause a severe allergic reaction. Warning signs can include hives or itching, swelling of the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weak or rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness.

If you or someone with you develops these symptoms, treat it as an emergency and call an ambulance immediately.

In a remote area such as South Kerry, emergency response times may be longer. Where appropriate, if it is safe to do so, arrange to get the person to a doctor or urgent medical care as quickly as possible.

HANDLING EQUIPMENT AND HARVESTING

Supers full of honey can be very heavy. Before lifting, assess the weight and make sure you can handle the load safely. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting. If it's too heavy, ask for help.

When harvesting honey, use a sealed room. Bees will smell the honey and will enter the room if possible.

CONCLUSION

This video has been prepared for Sneem beekeepers as general information. It is not a substitute for professional training, medical advice or emergency guidance. Beekeepers should seek appropriate advice when needed.

Make sensible precautions, work calmly and stay aware around your hives. Thank you for watching and stay safe.