Gloves and flexibility

[Ellen]

I have leather gloves with gauntlets that are very stiff. Is there anything I can do to limber them up?

[Michael Bush]

Are the gauntlets leather? If so, you can soak them in FGMO (mineral oil laxative) and work that in well. Vaseline works ok too.

[berkshire bee]

Are they actual " Bee" gloves.or just the kind of leather glove with the gauntlets that stick way out? If so, the gauntlets would be a possible place for bees to crawl into. If you are going to wear gloves, use the thinnest that you feel comfortable and protected with. That way you'll get the best "feel" for the hive and your bees, and will be less likely to crush bees. That will keep them happier and you too

[Michael Bush]

Good question. I use regular leather gloves and tuck them into the elastic on my jacket (or under the velcro on my Golden Bee Products suit). They have no gauntlets. They do sometimes pull out of the elastic and I do sometimes get stung on the wrist as a result, but it happens so seldom that I'm willing to take that for the convenience of gloves that are easy to get on and off. I have also used "Platex" gloves. They bees can get a stinger through them but they seldom try. When they do it doesn't hurt that much. However they get VERY sweaty.

[sierrabees]

The goatskin gloves Mann Lake sells are pricy, but extremely soft and flexable. The downside I have found is that an occasional bee will be able to sting right through the leather. I don't find this to be any big deal and since the gloves are almost as good as working bare handed it's a small price to pay when I have to put gloves on.