Avoiding Bee Stings

Honeybees are gentle beneficial insects that contribute over one billion dollars a year to pollination and honey production in Canada. A honeybee will not attack unless her nest is threatened or she is provoked.

Tips to Avoid a Sting

• Should an accidental encounter with a bee's nest occur, cover your face and run quickly to shelter. Bees will eventually give up pursuit and return to their nest.
• Do not swat a bee. When a bee's body is crushed it produces a chemical scent (pheromone) which alerts other bees to assist in the attack.
• Wear light coloured clothing and avoid scents.
If a bee gets caught in your hair, quickly and calmly pinch the bee to kill her.
• Avoid using fly products with a lemon or citrus odor on your horse.
• Carry a sting kit if you are allergic to bee stings

What to do if Stung

• If you are stung, quickly remove the stinger by scraping with a fingernail or the edge of a dull thin object. Do not squeeze the stinger or more venom will enter the sting site. The faster the stinger is removed the less swelling will occur.
Apply cold compress or ice to reduce the swelling.
Swelling is normal. Should a skin rash develop or difficulty in breathing immediately seek medical help.


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Avoiding Bee Stings Honeybees are gentle beneficial insects that contribute over one billion dollars a year to pollination and honey production in Canada. A honeybee will not attack unless her nest is threatened or she is provoked. Tips to Avoid a Sting • Should an accidental encounter with a bee's nest occur, cover your face and run quickly to shelter. Bees will eventually give up pursuit and return to their nest. • Do not swat a bee. When a bee's body is crushed it produces a chemical scent (pheromone) which alerts other bees to assist in the attack. • Wear light coloured clothing and avoid scents. If a bee gets caught in your hair, quickly and calmly pinch the bee to kill her. • Avoid using fly products with a lemon or citrus odor on your horse. • Carry a sting kit if you are allergic to bee stings What to do if Stung • If you are stung, quickly remove the stinger by scraping with a fingernail or the edge of a dull thin object. Do not squeeze the stinger or more venom will enter the sting site. The faster the stinger is removed the less swelling will occur. Apply cold compress or ice to reduce the swelling. Swelling is normal. Should a skin rash develop or difficulty in breathing immediately seek medical help.