Moots -
Make no mistake about it - I am in the process of requeening this hive however until this process is complete I just have to bear with this nonsense they are putting me through. I 100% agree that glove-less is the way to go for all the reasons mentioned however there are times when they are an absolute necessity - that's all I'm sayin! :-D As my general rule - I don't wear gloves while performing inspections etc but when I get hit 4 times in less than 2 minutes I'll break them out. They are always in my beekeeping supply kit.
David,
Roger that...
I certainly never meant to imply that I had a give me death before you give me gloves policy! :-D
As with many things in life....I think a good glove rule is: "Better to have them, and not need them, then need them, and not have them".
I'm still very much a newbie at this...But I made the decision while doing my research long before ever getting my first bees that I wanted to go glove-less while working my bees, if possible. I still bought a pair, I still keep them handy...But except for one, maybe two occasions in the 4 months I've owned bees, I haven't put them on.
In my opinion, I think the thought of working a hive without gloves is much more intimidating than the act of simply doing it. I equate it to a kid waiting in line to ride a roller coaster, it doesn't matter how big and bad the ride is...It can never live up to the fear and anticipation that builds up while waiting in line the first time. Once you ride it once, you've got it beat! :)
In a similar fashion, I just think some folks need a nudge to take the gloves off the first time.... But hey, if 4 bees nail you in the first two minutes....by all means, put the gloves back on. :-D