Its All Better Honey Bee Rescue – Beekeeper Training
Its All Better

Stings

🐝 Honeybee Stings

Why They Happen, What to Do, and How to Keep the Peace

😬 So You Got Stung…

First off—take a breath.
Yes, it hurts. No, the bee didn’t hate you.
Honeybees don’t sting out of meanness—they sting because they’re scared, cornered, or defending their sisters.

And unlike wasps, a honeybee dies when she stings. So trust me… she didn’t want this either.

🧠 Why Honeybees Sting

  • They feel threatened
  • You got too close to their hive
  • You accidentally squished one
  • You smelled like bananas (yes, really)
  • You were waving your arms like a windmill in a rainstorm

Honeybees are peaceful little workers. But when the hive is threatened, the girls get protective. Most stings happen near an active colony—not from a bee just flying by.

🩹 What To Do If You’re Stung

  1. Remove the stinger ASAP
    Use a credit card or your fingernail to scrape it out—don’t pinch it or you’ll squeeze in more venom.
  2. Wash the area
    Soap and water help prevent infection.
  3. Apply something soothing
    • Ice or a cold compress
    • Baking soda paste
    • A slice of raw onion (yes, that’s a thing)
    • Plantain leaf if you’re a wild field wanderer 🌿
  4. Watch for allergic reactions
    If you experience trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat, or feel dizzy, get medical help immediately. Don’t mess around.

⚠️ When to Worry

Most people just get a little swelling, redness, and heat around the sting.
But if you have a severe allergy, symptoms can get serious fast. Always carry an EpiPen if you’re allergic—or avoid bees altogether and call someone like me to handle them.

💡 How to Avoid Getting Stung

  • Don’t swat
  • Don’t wear strong perfumes or colognes
  • Avoid dark colors and fuzzy fabrics (you’ll look like a bear)
  • Stay calm around bees—they pick up on nervous energy
  • Give active hives their space (especially in warm months)

Fun fact: Bees hate the smell of bananas.
The chemical compound is similar to their alarm pheromone. So maybe save the smoothie for later.

🌿 Peace, Love, and Bee Space

Honeybees are not out to get you.
They’re just trying to pollinate flowers, make honey, and keep their queen happy.

If you stay respectful, give them some space, and stay away from active hives, you’ll likely go your whole life without getting stung—at least not by a honeybee.

(Wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets? That’s a different story. I can help ID those too.)

🐝 Still Nervous Around Bees?

I totally get it. Fear of bees is real—but it’s often based on bad info or confusion with their more aggressive cousins.

I offer educational presentations, hive tours, and even one-on-one beekeeping experiences that can help turn fear into fascination.

Let’s replace panic with understanding—and maybe even a little love for the little workers who keep our world blooming.

✉️ Got Questions About Bee Stings?

Text or call me at 315-427-3617
Or shoot me an email: bill.itsallbetter@gmail.com

I’m happy to answer, explain, or just talk it out. No judgment. No shame.
Just a beekeeper who’s been stung plenty and still loves the bees.