bee-keeperStings are part of beekeeping — sooner or later every beekeeper gets stung. That should not frighten you, but it should teach you respect and caution. Someone who knows why bees sting and how to behave gets stung rarely and without panic. This article explains how to reduce stings, what to do when they happen, and — most importantly — how to recognise the rare but dangerous allergic reaction.
Why a bee stings
A worker bee does not sting out of malice, but out of defence — when it senses that it, the queen, or the stores are threatened. When it stings it leaves the sting and venom behind and then dies, so stinging is no light act for it. The sting also releases an alarm pheromone, a scent that calls other bees to attack the same spot. That is why one sting easily draws others if you do not react.
How to get stung less
You avoid most stings with calm, careful work and the right habits:
- Wear protective gear, especially until you gain experience, and use a smoker
- Work slowly and calmly, without sudden moves or crushing bees
- Do not open hives in bad weather, in the evening, or in a dearth — bees are edgier then
- Avoid perfumes, sweat, and dark, fuzzy clothing (it reminds them of predator animals)
- Do not breathe directly into the entrance and do not stand in front of it
- Keep open food and syrup covered so you do not trigger robbing and agitation
What to do when you are stung
React quickly. Remove the sting as soon as possible by scraping it sideways with a fingernail or the hive tool — do not grab it with your fingers, as that squeezes more venom out of the sac. Puff a little smoke on the spot to cover the alarm pheromone. Wash the area and, if needed, apply something cold to reduce the swelling. Local swelling, redness, and itching are normal and pass in a day or two.
A normal reaction versus a serious one
In most people a sting causes a local reaction: pain, redness, swelling, and itching at the sting site, which subside over a few days. Sometimes the swelling is larger and spreads around the sting — that is still a local reaction, unpleasant but not dangerous in itself. The danger is different and comes on quickly, all over the body.
Signs of an allergic reaction — seek help URGENTLY
A true allergic (anaphylactic) reaction is a life-threatening emergency that develops within minutes. Call emergency services if, after a sting, you get:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and a feeling of tightness in the throat
- Difficulty breathing, choking, or wheezing
- A rash, hives, or itching all over the body, away from the sting site
- Dizziness, a racing heart, a drop in blood pressure, or loss of consciousness
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps
If a doctor has prescribed you an adrenaline injector, use it at once and still call emergency services.
Do you get used to stings
Many beekeepers react less strongly to stings over time, but an allergy can develop at any point, even in someone who has had no problem for years. If you notice your reactions getting stronger or unusual, see a doctor and consider testing. It is wise to always keep a phone within reach and to have someone know where you are working with bees, especially if you work alone. This article is general information, not a substitute for a doctor’s advice.