As the summer heat rises, you can expect to see more and more flying insects in the air. Although they may seem like pests, there are quite a few benefits to having bee’s and wasps around, so if you find a colony that isn’t causing any imminent danger to humans or pets, it’d be best to leave them alone. That said, if there is a danger involved, it’s best to call the experts to have the colony SAFELY and HUMANELY removed.
How to avoid a sting:
- Stay away from honey bee/wasp colonies.
- Honey bees nest is many different locations. It’s important to be vigilant for groups of bees entering or leaving an entrance or opening such as a hole in the ground, a tree, fence, deck etc. Honey bees tend to nest in crevices, and especially crevices in rocks. Wasps tend to build their nests in more visual locations. A hive will most likely be noticeable and again could be in any location, especially corners of sheds, tress limbs, in doorways etc.
- Wear appropriate clothing.
- When hiking or working outside, it’s best to wear light coloured clothing, including socks. Avoid wearing anything leather (such as gloves) as bees tend to target objects which resemble their natural predators (bears, skunks etc.). Avoid wearing dark leather and fur of any sort especially. Bees actually see the colour red as “black” so it’s best to wear fluorescent orange for activities such as hunting.
- Avoid wearing scents of any sort when hiking or working outside.
- Some bee species such as the Africanized honey bee communicate with scent and tend to be overly sensitive to odors. Avoid strong scents with all of your personal products such as shampoos, creams, perfumes etc. Lemony scents especially will attract bees.
- Be particularly careful when using any machinery that produces sound vibrations or loud noises.
- Bees and wasps will be spooked by loud noises and vibrations. They could deem and target the noise as a threat.
- Pet safety.
- It’s always best to keep your pet on a leash and controlled. An animal of any size that can mistakenly disrupt a colony/nest will be deemed as a threat and could be swarmed. Also, bees and wasps are relentless in their protective ways, so if your pet happens to step on or through a colony, the bees/wasps will likely chase the threat who may already be on it’s way to you.
Symptoms/reactions of a sting:
- Hives
- Widespread swelling
- Painful Joints
- Wheezing
- Faintness
- Tightness of throat
If you are stung:
- Bees leave behind a stinger attached to a venom sac. Do not try to pull it out as this may release more venom; instead gently scrape it out with a blunt-edged object, such as a credit card or dull knife.
- Wash the area carefully with soap and water. This should be continued several times a day until the skin is healed.
- Apply a cold or ice pack, wrapped in cloth for a few minutes.
- Apply a paste of baking soda and water and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Take acetaminophen for pain.
When to seek medical attention:
- large areas of swelling
- abnormal breathing
- tightness in throat or chest
- dizziness
- hives
- fainting
- nausea or vomiting
- persistent pain or swelling