Taking the Sting Out
Want to avoid bee stings? It’s easier than you think.
Most bees won’t sting unless they feel threatened, and some
native bees don’t even have stingers. Leave their nests alone,
and don’t swat at them. In fact, try to stay calm if a bee flies
near, and the insect will usually leave on its own.
Typically, bees visiting flowers won’t bother you, unless you
accidentally hit or grab hold of them. Still it’s a good idea to avoid
strong perfumes, heavy hairsprays or scented soaps if you’re
going to be near a lot of bee activity.
Dark colors can make bees nervous, which is why beekeepers
wear white. Avoid going barefoot in lush vegetation, especially
near clover and blooming ground covers.
Only a small percentage (one to two people out of 1,000) is
allergic to bee or wasp stings. The rest of us have some
discomfort that fades with time.
If you’ve been stung, remove the stinger right away. The severity
will be reduced if the stinger is removed within 15 seconds. Wash
the wound and treat it with an aerosol or cream antihistamine
solution. A cold compress can help alleviate pain.
Sources: The Xerces Society; University of California Integrated Pest
Management Program.
Want to avoid bee stings? It’s easier than you think.
Most bees won’t sting unless they feel threatened, and some
native bees don’t even have stingers. Leave their nests alone,
and don’t swat at them. In fact, try to stay calm if a bee flies
near, and the insect will usually leave on its own.
Typically, bees visiting flowers won’t bother you, unless you
accidentally hit or grab hold of them. Still it’s a good idea to avoid
strong perfumes, heavy hairsprays or scented soaps if you’re
going to be near a lot of bee activity.
Dark colors can make bees nervous, which is why beekeepers
wear white. Avoid going barefoot in lush vegetation, especially
near clover and blooming ground covers.
Only a small percentage (one to two people out of 1,000) is
allergic to bee or wasp stings. The rest of us have some
discomfort that fades with time.
If you’ve been stung, remove the stinger right away. The severity
will be reduced if the stinger is removed within 15 seconds. Wash
the wound and treat it with an aerosol or cream antihistamine
solution. A cold compress can help alleviate pain.
Sources: The Xerces Society; University of California Integrated Pest
Management Program.
| Copyright Mediaverks. All rights reserved. |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Phone: 208-336-1285 MST
info@mediaverks.com
| Published in Ventura County Star May 27, 2005 |
More on this subject:
Bee Resources
Bee-Friendly Flowers
Back to Main Article
Bee Resources
Bee-Friendly Flowers
Back to Main Article
