Preventing Bee Stings

Preventing Bee Stings

Topic Overview

To prevent stings from bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets:

  • Avoid flowering plants, gardens, and trees with ripe fruit, where bees spend their time.
  • Do not use perfumes, scented soaps, or suntan lotion.
  • Do not wear bright colours, flowered prints, or rough-textured fabrics (such as wool), all of which attract bees.
  • Do not swat a bee or throw an object at a bee or wasp hive. Bees are more likely to attack if they feel threatened.
  • If caught in or near a swarm of bees or wasps, move away with slow, deliberate movements.

Credits

Current as of:
February 10, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine