Beverley
Beekeepers' Association
The
local Beekeeping Association for East Yorkshire
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Bee
Stings
General Information for Beekeepers
When a honey bee stings someone, the sting, venom sac and
venom pump are left in the skin after the bee pulls away.
Most of the venom will be injected in the first 20 seconds
but the pump can continue for up to two minutes. It is
important to get the sting out fast to minimise the dose of
venom.
It is generally thought that a bee sting should not be
squeezed for fear of forcing more venom into the skin, but
experiments in America have shown that as long as action is
taken quickly there is no difference at all between
scraping, tweaking or squeezing. Time can be wasted finding
a penknife or scraper, so the best method is to scratch out
the sting with a finger-nail or hive tool quickly. Then
smoke the area to mask the alarm pheromone in the sting to
stop any more bees from stinging in the same area.
If possible, close the hive gently, move well away for a
few minutes, and apply antihistamine cream to the affected
area. It is useful to keep a tube handy with your
beekeeping tools. On retuning home, an ice pack or packet
of frozen peas will help to reduce any pain or swelling
resulting from the sting, but remember to wrap ice in a tea
towel or similar first.
Sometimes a bee will sting through the bee suit or gloves.
Then it only takes a moment to shift the clothing and
dislodge the sting, smoke the area and remove the sting
from the clothing.
Some beekeepers react very little to bee stings and carry
on regardless, but it is wiser to wear protective clothing
and just take the gloves off for delicate work such as
queen marking and clipping. This also has the advantage of
keeping your hands clean and free from propolis. It is
important to encourage beginners to wear full protective
clothing while they gain confidence and find how they react
to bee stings.
About 20% of beekeepers seem to have some allergic reaction
to bee stings. This can range from slight swelling in the
vicinity of the sting, to a generalised itching through to
anaphylaxis (generalised shock including difficulty in
breathing). This very allergic group needs to be careful
when working with bees to ensure that they are not stung or
have prepared for an emergency. Unfortunately even
beekeepers that normally show little reaction to bee stings
may react adversely the next time they are stung so it is
always wise to be prepared and ensure that help can be
called in any emergency.
Bee stings can be avoided best by having gentle bees,
choosing sensible times and weather to open the hives, by
correct use of smoke and gentle handling. Frequent washing
of bee suits and gloves will remove any residual sting
pheromone and reduce the likelihood of subsequent bee
stings. Remember, if stung, get the sting out fast.
If possible visit your apiary with another beekeeper and do
your beekeeping together. It’s not only safer but useful in
lifting heavy boxes, finding queens, and altogether more
fun.