Getting Away from Stinging Insects
Here are a few tips:
- The first and most important thing to do is to try and AVOID any stingers especially if you have allergies – If you cannot avoid it and you have a sting please seek medical attention immediately!
- Avoid getting too close to bee or hornets’ nests by being aware and inspecting your immediate area – These flying stingers are very territorial, and their instinct is to attack should they feel threatened.
- Do not swat your arms as they will see this as a sign of aggression.
- Bees can detect when you exhale as they use smell for navigation – so try holding your breath.
- A lot of natural threats for bees are dark colours – you will be more prone to a bee attack if you wear dark coloured clothing.
Should you be unlucky and cannot avoid a bee or wasp attack, do the following:
- RUN IMMEDIATELY – the faster you get away the less the possibility of being stung.
- Try running in a straight line.
- As seen on TV jumping into water – DO NOT – The bees will wait for you to re-surface and attack.
- Try to find shelter as soon as possible where you can close a door behind you whether it’s your house, car or even in a public restroom – it is easier to fend off 1 than it is to fight a swarm!
- Once inside switch off the lights as bees will search for natural light and navigate them towards a window and away from you.
Should you be VERY unlucky and get stung, please do the following:
- Pull out any remaining stinger – the longer it is in the more venom seeps into the skin- using a straight edged object – swiping it across the area.
- Apply cold pressure to reduce swelling.
- Wash the area with water and soap.
- Seek medical assistance immediately if you are allergic.
Further reading:
Taking the sting out of stinging Insects
Pool safety for Bees and Wasps
