North Carolina Bee School Practice Exam

The main purpose of using a bee suit is to protect the beekeeper from bee stings while working with hives. Beekeeping involves close interaction with bees, and despite their essential role in pollination and honey production, bees can become defensive, especially if they feel their hive is threatened. The bee suit is designed with materials that are resistant to stings, covering the entire body and providing a buffer between the beekeeper's skin and the bees. This protective gear typically includes gloves, a veil to shield the face and neck, and a full-body suit that minimizes exposed skin, significantly reducing the risk of being stung.

While other factors like visibility or temperature management may be considered when selecting protective apparel, these are secondary to the primary function of sting protection. Additionally, although bee suits may help with cooling in hot weather or potentially reduce allergens, their fundamental purpose remains to ensure the beekeeper's safety from stings when working with bees.