20 May . 2019
Bee Safe: How to avoid getting stung (it’s actually pretty easy)
Recently, Sweetwater’s honeybee hives have been strategically removed from the community and given to Round Rock Honey for future care.
There still might be times when you come across a bee at Sweetwater, and that’s a good thing, because it means the bees are still out pollinating.
Bees really don’t want to sting you, and they’ll give you plenty of warning, according to Jennifer Harbour, a beekeeper for Round Rock Honey, which managed Sweetwater’s beehives.
“Our bees belong to the species Apis mellifera, or western honeybee, which is prized for its docile temperament, as swell as its prolific production of honey,” Harbour said.
If a bee feels threatened or aggravated, it will usually bump you somewhere on your body as a warning.
“If you get bumped, turn around and walk calmly away. Don’t run or flail your arms, because that could cause the bee to get excited and release pheromones that signal danger to the hive. That attracts more bees,” Harbour said.
If you get stung, the same advice applies. “Turn around and walk away calmly. It’s very tempting to want to run or scream, but stay calm and quiet,” she said.
To treat a bee sting, apply an ice pack or other type of cold compress for two hours. If your skin itches, a medicine such as Benadryl can be very helpful. If you feel dangerous symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the throat, face and lips, Harbour advises calling 911.
If the bee’s stinger is left in your skin, she recommends scraping it out with a credit card or driver’s license. Don’t try to pull it out with your finger, because the venom sac is still attached, and that will release the remaining venom into your skin.
The bottom line: bee stings are relatively rare, even for professionals. “I can go months without getting stung. When I do, Benadryl is a beekeeper’s best friend,” Harbour said.
For an inside look at bees and honey, consider taking a Honey House Tour from Round Rock Honey.
See some of the Sweetwater wildflowers that give our honey its intensely sweet flavor and character.