There are a couple things we all can agree on.
1 Bee stings hurt, and 2 Bees are very important to earth and life as we know it.
When you are stung by a bee it is important to remove the stinger as quickly as possible. The longer the stinger stays in place the more venom is pumped into the body part, which would allow for a more severe reaction. Pinch the stinger not the sac and remove or scrape the sting or even use the flat edge of an object to swipe across the welt to dislodge the stinger. If a stinger is left in place, it can cause an infection or a foreign body reaction. After removing the stinger use soap and cold water to clean the area. Use a cold compress over the area such as an ice pack to help alleviate some of the pain. It can be helpful to elevate the limb if possible. For those with severe reactions you will need to see a doctor and possibly be prescribed an oral steroid or other medications.
Good way to prevent bee sting is stay away from beehives or where they are foraging such as blooming flowers. Try to avoid wearing sweet perfumes and colognes as the fragrance can attract bees and other stinging insects like yellow jackets. While insect repellents work on mosquitos and ticks, they have little effect on bees and other stinging insects. Keeping these tips in mind will help lessen the chances of a bee sting and if you do get stung hopefully the tips, we give will help make you a little more comfortable.
