When bees are angry they usually try stinging as close to the eyes as possible, so the veil is very important. Beekeepers use smoke to calm the bees down. They do this by making a small fire in the smoker and squeezing the bellows to make the smoke come out. When bees are frightened they send out a special scent to alarm the other bees to attack. When a beekeeper uses smoke on a beehive, the bees are no longer able to smell the alarm scent so they keep on working in the hive.
Beekeepers use special clothing to protect themselves from stings.
Many commercial beekeepers feel that bee suits and gloves are too bulky and hot. They choose to risk getting stung every now and then rather than have to wear clothing that slows them down. Those who don't wear official bee suits usually choose light colored shirts and long pants. They avoid bright or dark colors. If the beekeeper wears dark colors the bees might think he is a bear.