How to Protect Yourself from Bee Attacks

I've had the displeasure of being stung by bees on more than one occasion, and it's something I'm hoping never happens again. For such a useful creature, keeping our natural ecosystem afloat, I'd pay good money to never interact with a bee again.

Credit: Canva

One bee sting is bad enough, but when a swarm dedicates you as their enemy, you need to run... and run fast.

Attack of the Bees!

In Surprise, Arizona, in late February, a man unceremoniously went to go check his mail. On his way out, he found a beehive he had been unaware of. The moment he noticed it, the hive got angry, and began attacking the man.

Credit: Canva

He sprinted to his neighbors home, pleading for help as he was still being swarmed and stung by the angry mob. The neighbor called 911, and began spraying water on the man, hoping to clear the swarm.

Credit: Canva

When firefighters finally showed up, they noticed a group of children who were in the area, also being attacked by the swarm. The firefighters were able to get the kids to safety, but not before five kids and four firefighters had been stung.

The original man suffered serious injuries and is currently recovering at a local hospital.

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Protect Yourself from Bee Attacks

Credit: Canva

While not definitive, here's a couple of tips to help you avoid incidents like this.

Be aware of colonies and hives in your area
Wear light colored clothing
Do not provoke bees or swarms
If attacked, RUN!!
Do not swat at the swarm
Cover your face, arms, and any other exposed body part
Remove the stinger immediately if stung

[NBC12][University of Arizona CALES]

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