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Bee Stings!

Bee Stings!. Coping with Bee Stings Normal and Allergic Reactions. If you work with bees,…. there is one certainty – you will be stung. Even despite the very best defenses, you will be stung: Bee stings can have a variety of consequences that must be taken seriously.

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Bee Stings!

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  1. Bee Stings! Coping with Bee Stings Normal and Allergic Reactions

  2. If you work with bees,… • there is one certainty – you will be stung. • Even despite the very best defenses, you will be stung: • Bee stings can have a variety of consequences that must be taken seriously. • Consider the sad story of Don Weakman, Peoria.

  3. Reactions to Bee Stings • Three major types of reactions: • Mild local reactions. • Strong local reactions. • Allergic reactions. • Fortunately, beekeepers tend to become less reactive with the passage of time if they receive stings intermittently.

  4. Mild Local Reactions • Immediate • Pain • Burning, itching • Redness • White wheal at site • Tenderness • Hours/days later • Itching • Redness • Swelling

  5. Strong Local Reactions • Massive swelling around the site of the sting. • Increasing swelling with passage of time. • Can last up to a week without treatment.

  6. Allergic Reactions • Three Types: • Cutaneous allergic reactions • Non-life-threatening systemic allergic reactions • Life-threatening allergic reactions • All forms of allergic reactions should be taken very seriously.

  7. Cutaneous Allergic Reactions • Hives or nettle rash anywhere on body. • Massive swelling remote from sting site. • Generalized itching of the skin. • Generalized redness of skin away from sting.

  8. Non-life-threatening Reactions • Allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis • Minor respiratory problems • Abdominal cramps • Severe gastrointestinal upset • General weakness • Fear of death common

  9. Life-threatening Allergic Reactions • Shock • Unconsciousness • Hypotension • Fainting • Respiratory distress • Laryngeal blockage

  10. Managing Bee Stings • Remove the stinger quickly by scraping. • Many beekeepers take a non-prescription antihistamine to reduce swelling. • Apply treatments such as Soothe Swabs • Carry an Epipen injector

  11. Avoiding Bee Stings • Move slowly and deliberately around bees. • Avoid squeezing and crushing bees. • Avoid hive opening on hot, humid days. • Don’t swat at bees. • Don’t block hive entrance with body. • Wear complete protective coverings. • Avoid dark-colored clothes. • Use your smoker wisely. • Smoke any sting site. • Work your bees at midday when the foragers are out of the hive.

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