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Manchester and District Beekeepers’ Association |
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Phone: 0161-747 7292 To contact us: Email: |
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M.& D.B.K.A. |
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Bee Stings
Bees will only sting if they feel threatened or the hive is threatened. The reason for this is quite logical as when bees sting, the barbed sting remains in ones skin and as the bee struggles to release itself its rear end is ripped off and it dies. How often do you see people panic in the presence of a bee. With arms flailing wildly, the bee is threatened and will attack but the public should be assured that as long as they do not interfere with the bee and remain calm they will not be attacked
What to do if stung.
The barb should be removed as soon as possible by the scraping action of a knife or fingernail. Place the knife or nail flatly on the skin and pass over the sting to remove the barb. This is important as the sting continues to pump venom even after the bee has de tached itself. Do not try to remove it by squeezing between finger and thumb as this will inject more venom. Applying ice will give some comfort as will the application of calamine lotion, steroid creams or the crushed leaves of the mallow plant. Most beekeepers become de-sensitized over the years but if symptoms of difficulty in breathing, skin rash, palpitations, vomiting or faintness occur then medical attention should be sought immediately as you may be going into anaphylactic shock. Be assured this is quite rare. Each year approximately 16 people die of insect stings. ( N.B. All insects including bees and wasps not just honey bees.) It is normal for the enzymes in the venom to cause a release of hystamine from mast cells which causes the swelling. Other allergens effect the nervous system and the site can be quite sore for two or three days. |
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Bee Stings |
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Fig. 26 A stinging bee |
