Defence Pest Management

DEFENCE PEST MANAGEMENT

What To Do When You Get Stung By Bees

Defence Pest Management Blog Post

If you own a garden, or if your property is surrounded with woody areas and greenery, there is a possibility that bees are a part of your neighbourhood. While bees play an important role in the environment, we’ve encountered many clients at Defence Pest Management complaining about how bees have become a nuisance to them, especially as the bees continue to multiply in huge numbers.

The Risk of Getting Stung by Bees

Bees do not usually just sting if left on their own; however, if their activity is disturbed, they can become defensive. For instance, if you come close to their colony, they can mistake you for an intruder and put up the defensive stance. They can then start attacking you with stings, although this will also result in their death afterwards.

But even when not near a colony, bees can sting if they find your movements to be threatening. If bees come near you and you start panicking and moving around, this will appear strange to them and identify you as a threat. Eventually, they will sting when they get the chance.

Normal Sting Reaction

The most common effect of bee stings is the swelling and redness of the affected area, which is usually painful. This swelling can be contained on the site that has been stung or extended to other body parts. In most cases, this is a normal reaction and should not be cause for alarm. However, the stinger, which is usually left by the bee after stinging, should be immediately removed through scraping (not pulling, as this can result in more allergens being released).

The affected area must then be thoroughly washed with soap and water, and antiseptic should be applied. If itching begins, antihistamines can be taken.

Allergic Sting Reaction

For some people, they may be allergic to insect stings, including those of bees. Aside from swelling, pain and redness of the area that has been stung, allergic reactions also include difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, rapid change in pulse and drop in blood pressure.

Allergic reactions usually require medical attention, where you will receive medication typically administered by a healthcare provider.

Avoiding Bee Stings

Avoiding being near bees or disturbing their activity will definitely keep you from being stung. But there are instances where bees have already built a huge colony, in several areas near your home that avoiding them won’t be enough.

If you have noticed that beehives and colonies continue to multiply and that they have become a nuisance, you can ask for our team’s assistance at Defence Pest Management and we will help you with keeping the bees under control.