Bee stings are not usually serious to us (unless you have an allergy) but alas can cause honeybees to die (the barbed stinger pulls out its stomach and muscles). If you (or animal friends) do get stung, here are some useful tips to help. Liz Cook (a vegan cookbook author) makes these natural first aid charts. Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing or near pets/babies.
See how to save our bee friends on how to help protect bees, while at the same time leaving them in peace (most bees will never sting you, if you leave them alone).
Preventing Bee Stings
- When in the garden, cover exposed skin and wear shoes
- Move away gently from bees, don’t wave your arms
- Waspinator is a brown paper bag that deters territorial wasps
- Got pets and want to discourage bees? Avoid scented plants, scented perfumes/body lotion & scented candles.
Got Stung?
- Scrape the sting out with your nail (or card).
- Wash with soap & water, apply a cold compress.
- Elevating arms or legs, helps to reduce swelling.
- Apply a paste of bicarbonate of soda & water
- Allergic? Jab the patient’s Epi-Pen into the thigh, and call 999.
- Wasp stings are alkaline, so apply vinegar or lemon juice
Pet Stings
- Signs include pawing, chewing or swelling.
- Remove stinger by scraping a credit card on coat, then flick off.
- Do not use tweezers, could squeeze out more venom.
- Apply bag of frozen peas or cooled towel for 10 minutes
- Apply thick paste of baking soda/water to soothe.
- Or use a paste of 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup warm water
- Apply the paste 3 times daily.
- Or bathe dog in a tub of warm water with 1 cup ground oatmeal.
- Let it soak for 10 minutes, before rinsing off thoroughly.
- For any allergic reaction or serious stings, see your vet.
- Also see your vet, for stings near the eyes, nose or mouth.
