Don't Get Buzzed: Avoiding Bee Stings
Honeybees are amazing little creatures. No more than ¾ of an inch long, these tiny gals can carry up to twice their bodyweight in nectar and make a substance so valuable the Egyptian Pharaohs wanted to be buried with it- honey! While this sweet substance is by far what these bees are most famous for, they fulfill another very important role. According to the USDA, honeybees are responsible for pollinating over 130 different crops that generate approximately $15 billion in annual revenue. While bees have a massive impact on the world, they can also pose a painful, and sometimes life-threatening, hazard- bee stings.
One little honeybee may not look intimidating, but when it comes to protecting her home, that girl’s got backup. Vibrations from disturbances in and around the hive cause dozens or even hundreds of “guard bees” to investigate every potential threat. If such a threat is recognized, the intruder is stung, and the frenzy begins. An estimated 1,000 people die from honeybee stings each year. While all bees pose a safety risk, one sub-species of honeybee takes the cake when it comes to media attention for these attacks- Africanized bees.
Africanized honeybees, commonly known as “killer bees,” are a non-native bee population that shares characteristics from both the more-docile European honeybee and the more-defensive African bee. They are noted for their defensive behavior, increased ability to propagate through swarming, and their tendency to nest in peculiar areas such as water meters, utility poles, and even underground. Due to this, farmers are at increased risk of encountering these bees and being attacked.
Tips for avoiding encounters:
- Be aware of your surroundings; avoid interacting with spaces where bees are coming in and out.
- Use caution around fallen trees, junk piles and other areas with tight, dark spaces.
- Wear pants and a light-colored shirt that close around the ankles and wrist.
- If you find a wild colony, call a local beekeeper, fire department or a professional bee removal service to arrange a removal.
What to do if an attack occurs:
- Cover your face and get away.
- Walk into shaded area; bees are less likely to follow.
- Remove the stinger by scraping away with a fingernail or credit card. Do not pick with your fingers.
- Wash the area with soap and water. This removes pheromones that signal other bees to attack.
- If swelling occurs, apply ice.
- Get medical attention if you experience a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the face or throat.
- If you have a known allergy, always keep an EpiPen handy.
While tiny, honeybees punch way above their weight class when it comes to economic importance, impact on the agricultural industry, and an ability to inflict pain. The best methods for mitigating the risk of bee stings are to use caution when working around bee-prone areas and acting quickly if an attack occurs. Honeybees aren’t going anywhere; all we can do is try to avoid the buzz.
Sources:
usda.gov/peoples-garden/pollinators/honey-bees
si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/killbee
www.uttyler.edu>bsvt-dangerous-doven-brochure-20200428
Monthly Blast written by the 2024 CASH Intern, Carolyne Savage.