“Bee” smart about sting safety

Fall outdoor activities draw bees from their hives, it’s important to know what to do and what not to do around bees!

Follow these safety guidelines and treatment tips:

  • Bees are attracted to sweet scents, so avoid wearing flowery perfumes or leaving sugary food out.
  • When drinking sweet beverages outside, check cans and straws for insects before drinking.
  • Guard your face and neck, the most common places for bees to sting.
  • If you are stung, apply hydrocortisone cream to ease itching or stinging sensation.
  • Leave the immediate area; bee stings release a chemical that attracts other bees to the scene.
  • Scrape a bee stinger off with a fingernail or dull object; do not pull it out using tweezers
  • If a swarm of bees is attacking, rather than trying to swat them away, get into a closed area, “play dead,” or dive into water
  • If you have experienced an allergic reaction to a bee sting before, professionals recommend carrying an EpiPen with you at all times.

 

Infographic that says BEE Smart about Sting Safety with five hexagons that say: "guard your face and neck, the most common places for stings"; "don't attract bees-- avoid wearing flowery perfumes or leaving sugary food out"; "if you've previously experienced an allergic reaction to a bee sting, talk to your doctor about carrying an EpiPen"; "if a swarm attacks, retreat to a closed area rather than swatting bees off, playing dead or diving into water"; and "scrape off a bee stinger with a dull object-- don't use tweezers."

 

Hudson Valley Community College’s Health Services office, located in Campus Center, Suite 270, is here to support you in meeting your wellness and health goals. We offer advocacy and care to promote being well and staying well. Feel free to contact our office at (518) 629-7468 or stop in and see us!