Many people mistakenly believe bees do not fly in the dark or when the weather is wet or cool. Bees do not ordinarily forage under these conditions but they are quite ready to investigate any disturbance to their hive. They will also stream out of the hive and crawl onto whatever or whoever is holding them. WHAT TO WEAR Beekeepers should consider wearing protective clothing when moving bees. The best outfit to wear is a set of coveralls with a zip-on veil and elasticized cuffs.
Bees can crawl and tend to get inside clothing and beneath many types of veils.
Stings on the neck, face, and head seem worse in the dark or in the rain. Hands and ankles are other vulnerable areas. Gloves and either boots or two pair of heavy socks should be worn. If a new beekeeper or non-beekeeper friend is helping out with a move, be sure that person is well protected. When moving a colony, make sure the bottom board is cleted, banded, or preferably, stapled onto the first brood chamber, hives are locked together and the cover is secured to the boxes.