Prevention

The following tips can help reduce your risk of getting stung by bees:

• Take care when drinking sweet beverages outside. Wide, open cups may be your best option because you can see if a bee is in them. Inspect cans and straws before drinking from them.
• Tightly cover food containers and trash cans.
• Clear away garbage, fallen fruit, and dog or other animal feces (flies can attract wasps).
• Wear closed-toe shoes when walking outside.
• Don't wear bright colors or floral prints, which can attract bees.
• Don't wear loose clothing, which can trap bees between the cloth and your skin.
• When driving, keep your windows rolled up.
• Be careful when mowing the lawn or trimming vegetation, activities that might arouse insects in a beehive or wasp nest.
• Have hives and nests near your home removed by a professional.

Know what to do when you're exposed to bees:

• If a few bees are flying around you, stay calm and slowly walk away from the area. Swatting at an insect may cause it to sting.
• If a bee or wasp stings you, or many insects start to fly around, cover your mouth and nose and quickly leave the area. When a bee stings, it releases a chemical that attracts other bees. If you can, get into a building or closed vehicle.