Bee Kind Week - Tips to avoid bee-ing stung

Did you know that honey bees are the only bees to die after stinging? Once a honey bee stings, it leaves not only its stinger but also part of its abdominal content behind.

Today for Bee Kind Week we want to raise awareness of the fact that bees really aren’t going to sting unless absolutely necessary for them. Instead of swatting and making a fuss when you next come across a bee, remember that they’re in more danger than you are.

Find out why we’re creating a buzz about bees this week.

Here are our top tips to avoid being stung, not only is it painful for us but it’s damaging to bee populations worldwide.

Try not to smell like a flower
Bees detect and follow strong scents, that’s how they locate the flowers and plants they drink nectar from. If you’re wearing perfume or cologne, you may smell like a tasty treat to a bee who will want to investigate.

Don’t wear loose clothes

If a bee gets trapped up a sleeve or trouser leg between your skin and clothing, the likelihood is that the bees going to feel the need to protect itself. The first thing you’ll do when you feel something crawling under your clothing is to try and get it out, this is a recipe for disaster.

Keep car windows rolled up

We’ve all been in the situation where there’s a bee inside the car, with the windows open, but the insect can’t seem to find its way out. If you’re driving, the buzzing bee is going to be a little distracting. Luckily, having your windows rolled all the way up is a sure-fire way to prevent a bee from getting inside.  

Don’t walk barefoot

If the thought of getting stung in the bottom of the foot makes you cringe, there’s a simple solution. It may sound silly but we rarely think about the consequences of a quick walk across the grass barefoot which is a bad idea on campsites for a number of reasons, not just bees. Be aware of tent pegs.

Try not to drink out of cans

Love the taste of a sweet smelling fizzy drink? So will a bee. They may climb inside a can whilst you’re not looking, surprising you when you try to take a sip. That’ll be enough to put you off fizzy drinks for life.

Watch out for hives and nests

See lots of bees around one side of your house, under the guttering or a congregation around one part of the garden? Call in a professional if you do identify a nest, they can safely relocate the colony to a new location.

Rinse out containers in the recycling and make sure bin lids are shut

Jam jars, wine bottles and drink cans are just a selection of items which may be in your recycling with the possibility of attracting bees.  Make sure you rinse out any sticky residue before recycling items. This will prevent bees going into your bin to investigate the sweet smell. Keeping bin lids firmly shut will prevent any insects getting in which is particularly important in the warmer months.

Don’t wear bright colours
To prevent an unwanted bee visit, you’ll need to avoid looking like an inviting flower at all costs. Earth and muted tones are recommended. Although, don’t rub mud on your clothes, that is not recommended.

Practice your human statue skills

If you’re afraid of bees, fighting the urge to run away may seem impossible. The worst thing you can do is swat at a bee, just try and take a deep breath, stay still and the bee will fly away, leaving you in peace.

Don’t stop to smell the flowers…
No one wants a bee sting on the nose.