Bees are not plotting to kill you. Honey bees are not aggressive – they don’t go around attacking for no reason, because they will die shortly after stinging humans. Bee stings have tiny barbs that get stuck in our  skin and the bee ‘bleeds’ to death.

Photo of bee sting by Richard Toft. (A micron= a millionth of a metre). Click to enlarge:

Bee safety tips:

• Don’t disturb bees. They usually sting when threatened or defending their hive – so avoid hives/nests.  Honey bees don’t normally sting when on flowers.
• If a honey bee lands on you, do not panic and do not slap it.
• If you do get stung, remove the stinger by gently scraping it sideways, maybe with your finger nail. Don’t pinch the stinger. Move away from the area – a sting releases a scent that attracts other bees – or cover up the bit that’s been stung.
• Move slowly around bees – don’t run and wave your arms.
• Read more about reducing the likelihood of stings- download pdf.

‘Let the bee be, and the bee will let you be.’

Bees are a lot less dangerous than cars. However people who are allergic to bee stings have to be very careful around bees. Bees are wild creatures – they’re not like pets or farm animals.

Please read: This information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice. No responsibility or liability is accepted for any actions taken in reliance on it.

Picture: Naughty boys disturbing a beehive – from The Little Honey Thieves by Wilhelm Busch, one of the first ever comic books (1859).

What’s more dangerous than being with a fool?

Fooling with a bee!