Bees are everywhere!
It’s officially angry bee season. You know, the end of summer into early fall when you start to see bees in all sorts of places. It’s not your imagination. Bees are also aggressive during this time of year because they are approaching the end of their life cycle. So, watch out! They’re ready to sting.
AFC Urgent Care Saugus is seeing a high number of people coming in for bee stings and treatment, so we have prepared a guide to help you on how to avoid getting stung by an angry bee.
Keeping bees away and preventing bee stings
Bees release a chemical when they sting, which may attract other bees. Avoiding bee stings can be hard, especially when your first instinct is to run. The CDC suggests heading indoors or to your car if you are being chased by bees.
Other tips that you can do to avoid attracting bees are:
- Avoid wearing colorful and flower-print clothing to help keep bees away, as well as fragrances or cosmetics with floral scents.
- Be careful with food and sweet drinks (ex. soda). Bees will often try to fly into the drink and sting the drinker when he or she takes a sip.
- Wear long pants, long socks, and closed toe shoes if heading to a field where there will likely be bees. Avoid running and don't swat them. If they are around you or on you, standing still, this will keep the bees calm and, most likely, they will fly away.
- Keep garbage in sealed receptacles. Keep away from open or full garbage bins when out at a public park or playground.
- If a bee “bumps” you, you might be near one of their hives. Run the other way!
If you notice a hive or wasp nest on your property it is best to call a pest professional. Avoid taking out the hive yourself!
How to treat a bee sting if you are not allergic to bees
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Scrape the stinger out as quickly as possible—avoid pulling or squeezing the stinger out with a tweezer. Doing so may release more venom.
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Clean the sting site with soap and water to prevent infection.
Soothing a bee sting
Try these effective home remedies:
Ice: Ice reduces swelling by constricting vessels and minimizes the flow of venom in the blood. Also, the numbing effect soothes pain and itching.
Baking soda: Create a paste of baking soda and water to apply on the affected area. The alkaline nature of the baking soda helps to neutralize the acidity in the venom. You can also mix in some meat tenderizer which contains a naturally occurring enzyme (papain, from papaya) that helps to break down the protein in the venom.
Vinegar: Vinegar is the soother of choice when getting stung by a wasp. Use this trick to remember: Baking soda for bees (both at the beginning of the alphabet), vinegar for wasps (both at the end of the alphabet).
Toothpaste: This is a great remedy which works on the same alkaline/acidity premise as baking soda. Small amounts of glycerin in toothpaste may also add to its soothing properties. A small tube of toothpaste is handy to pack in a travel first aid kit or picnic basket.
Treating bee stings at AFC Urgent Care Saugus
Bees are out and ready to sting you. If you do happen to get stung by a bee and need treatment, you can come see us any day of the week.
AFC Urgent Care Saugus is your number one go to urgent care and can help you and your child for bee stings and treatment. We also accept most insurances and now offer appointments to fit your schedule!
