Protecting Yourself From Bees
Bees hold a very special place in our ecosystem. As essential pollinators, they help local plant life thrive and stay fruitful. For a while, bee populations had been dwindling, but recently, there has been a boom, and these useful insects are making a comeback. Recent research shows that the number of bee colonies in the US is growing, which is good news for honey and nature lovers.
But this influx of bees means that your odds of meeting one in person are increasing. And while they are gentle insects and don’t sting unless you provoke them, you should know how to protect yourself. Let’s see what attracts bees and what repels them so you can avoid getting hurt and hurting the bees by accident.
Avoid Stings By Learning Bee Behavior
Bees are usually the most active in spring when everything is in bloom, so they can be busy flying around collecting nectar. They usually start buzzing around sunrise and are most energetic in the afternoon. So if you have a flower garden you like to sit in during the day, or even if you keep bee hives, this is the period you need to be the most careful. You can protect yourself by:
- Staying calm if a bee lands on you: If one does land on you, try not to panic and swat at it. Bees are usually very calm, but trying to knock it off may cause it to sting in self-defense.
- Recognizing aggressive behavior: Bees are usually mellow but might exhibit aggressive behaviors if they feel threatened. If a bee keeps loudly buzzing and flying around you or tries to land on you repeatedly, remember to stay calm.
- Don’t disturb their bee hives: If there is an increased number of bees in your vicinity, there might also be a bee hive nearby. They can be territorial, so if you happen to come across one, don’t touch or disturb it in any way. If you want it removed, call a local beekeeper to help.
What Personal Protection Measures You Can Take
Unless you want to spend your days indoors, trying to avoid running into a bee, you can take measures into your own hands. Some of the things you can try include:
- Not wearing bright floral patterns: Bees are attracted to bright colors and shapes that look like flowers. They especially like blue and yellow, so stick to neutrals and whites when you go outside.
- Not using sweet perfumes: Overly sweet or floral scents can confuse and attract bees. When they realize they're not dealing with a flower, they might sting you just because they are confused.
- Not leaving sweet foods and drinks around: Bees can signal other bees to come if they find food or beverages they enjoy. That's why it's best to keep fruits or sugary drinks covered while you're outside.
- Use a bee-safe insect repellent: You can deter bees and other insects by applying insect repellent before going outside. Use one that is safe for bees and won't harm them even if they come in contact with your skin.
What To Do If You Get Stung
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how much you protect yourself - a bee still might end up stinging you. Here are a few pointers on dealing with bee stings and reducing the symptoms:
- Carefully remove the stinger.
- Put some ice or a cold compress over the sting.
- If the pain is too much, take some over-the-counter pain relief.
- Wait for signs of an allergic reaction.
If you know you have a bee allergy, immediately go to a medical professional.
The Best Protection Against Bees
Bees are essential to the local ecosystem, so we want them to be present in our gardens. But you can still take steps to minimize the chances of getting stung.
If you want to learn more human and bee-safe ways of protecting yourself, Bee's N Things can give you some tips. To learn more, contact us today!
