What type of jewelry should be removed before working with bees?

When working with bees, it is important to remove any type of jewelry that could potentially cause injury or distress to the bees. Leather bands, like those found on bracelets or rings, may not be compatible with the environment when working in a beekeeping setting.

Leather can absorb scents that might attract or disturb bees, and in case of an aggressive bee, leather bands can trap bees against the skin, increasing the chance of stings. Moreover, flexibility in your movements is vital while handling hives and bees, and bulky items, including leather bands, can hinder that agility.

Other types of jewelry, including gold rings and earrings, may not pose the same level of risk as leather bands. They can typically be removed without much concern for the materials’ impact on bee behavior or environmental factors while working. Thus, leather bands are particularly advisable to be removed for both personal safety and to avoid stressing the bees during an operation.