These suggestions have been made in a number of Review Articles on bee sting but the data supporting the suggestions are fragmentary.
- Insects seem to be less attracted to white or light khaki-colored clothing than to dark brown or black clothing. Bright colors on clothing attract insects and should be avoided.
- Long-sleeve shirts, socks, and shoes decrease the chances of being stung by decreasing exposed body parts. Playing outdoors without shoes increases the chances of being stung especially by yellowjackets.
- Scented sprays, soaps, suntan lotion, perfumes, and other cosmetics are thought to attract insects.
- Food and drink served outdoors attracts insects.
- Outdoor work such as mowing lawns, working in the garden, working around homes, emptying garbage cans, and walking or playing in wooded areas increases the risk for being stung.
- Flower beds, fields covered with clover or other flowering plants attract bees as do blooming fruit trees or trees that are bearing fruit, and areas in which fruits and vegetation are rotting. This increases the risk for being stung and those areas should be avoided.
- While driving in a car, windows should be closed to prevent bees from entering. That would probably require the use of air-conditioning in the summer.
- Homes and cottages should be fully screened and the screens should be checked for tears or other holes that could allow insects to enter. The eaves should be checked for wasp or hornet nests.
- Garbage cans should be kept clean and covered at all times.
- Yellow jackets nest underground or in cavities of buildings or under logs. Hornets nest in trees while wasps usually nest under the eaves of homes or on overhangs, bushes, or trees. While walking in those areas one must remain alert to the presence of bees and wasps.
- If bees are noticed to be in an area, sudden movements that would anger the insect should be avoided and it would be best to move away from that area.
- Individuals with a history of insect hypersensitivity who are not receiving maintenance immunotherapy should carry an emergency sting kit containing an epinephrine auto-injector, the epipen.
- Individuals with a history of an immediate reaction to bee or wasp sting should be given instructions on the use of an epipen.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- remove the stinger if present. It should be removed carefully without squeezing the sac. A flick of the finger will usually be sufficient.
- Do not squeeze the sting, or rub mud into it. This increases the risk of infection.
- Do not apply meat tenderizer or baking soda. These don't help and can actually cause problems.
- wash stings with soap and water.
- apply an ice pack for five to fifteen minutes. Be careful not to freeze the skin.
- telephone 911 to summon paramedics if the victim is having an allergic reaction and use an epipen as prescribed.