what way do you react to a sting

wexfordman2

Hi,

Being new to bee keeping, I'm getting to learn the hard way about stings. Have had a few incidents over the last few weeks as follows

1) arrive near apiary and bee struck me in the hair and I got stung under the eye.

2) walking around apiary late one evening and one lone bee stung me on the nose.

Both of the above caused a fair old bit of a swell on the face, but other than that and the embarrassment no problems.

3) stungthrough gloves on Palm of hand, minor irritation that's all.

4) stung through suit on wrist of each hand

The two stings in the wrist have caused a fair bit of swelling the following day. Little painfull itchy as well, but a good swell.


Are these reactions normal or should I check for possible allergy ?

What kind of reaction do people typically get to bee stings ?

.

bpmurray

People with allergies swell up and can't breathe and die, so your symptoms are quite mild & normal. I think embarrassment (for the face) and itchiness are the worst part.

Getting stung as often as you are raises the question about how aggressive your bees are. I'm only just over a year at it, and I've only been stung once in that time. Remember that if you've been stung, there will be a smell of the pheremone on your gloves or suit, so you'll have to mask that or they'll be pretty nasty. Also, be gentle - squishing bees is a good way to annoy them.

Joe Brennan

The face is the worst place to get stung, but you are not allergic. one thing to remember is, if bees happen to get in side your veil you must remember to keep your mouth closed. because a sting inside the mouth is not at all nice.

wexfordman2

Thanks for the replies.


Just to point out, the stings were now from my own bees, they were from a friend's who has been showing me the ropes. Havnt got one from my own (yet).

A bit more caution and respect needed on my part I think tbh, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't developing an akergy.

Swelling on my wrist is very noticeable, and sore, not something that deters me as long as it's normal.

Loving my new hobby :-)

marizpan

I react to stings similar to you. I got stung twice on the wrist a few weeks ago and that was very itchy and swollen. I actually had to apply ice for two evenings to reduce swelling.
I got a little sting on my finger today through my gloves, no reaction so far, but I took off my rings just in case.

I often wonder how quite other peoples bees are! I find they can get very touchy if queen less or if the weather is to turn

webels

Zirtek is usually quite good at bringing down the swelling. Itchy is my main problem

Mellifera

I get the same reaction but have also noticed that as I go into the season the reaction lessens...it's as if there's an immunity building up.
Also noticed that they get more 'warry' if they are not very busy due to weather and the likes or if they are being disturbed too often

SC Kevin

The usual swelling and itchiness but i also get itchy eyes and a runny nose (kinda like a cold)

Usually though when i get stung, im like this....:D:D

pixie13

Would re queening be a good idea if your bees are aggressive? Luckily my bees are gentle and never had a sting (so far). I was advised by my uncle to always keep an anti histamine with you when you doing your hive checks. Ia person has had a bad reaction to stings, getting a epi pen might be handy just in case. Although they are expensive and go out of date fairly quickly my gp said.

Qualitymark

When you get stung, get a credit card or similar and sweep the sting away immediately. Don't push at it or you'll squeeze more venom in.
Knock back a Piriton or Zirtek or something like that.
And a drop of ammonia on the site of the sting *immediately* will help; you can get a tube of it, sold under the name Afterbite, in a chemist, or just carry a little jar and a hanky. Don't sniff it!

bpmurray

Be careful about an epipen. They're only available on prescription for a reason. If you're likely to go into anaphalaxis, then you'll need one, otherwise never touch one.