A honey bee sting is one of those unpleasant experiences that we loath dearly. Although the effect just causes temporary pain for most people, a few individuals in every population are allergic or hypersensitive to bee stings. The effect is adverse and sometimes lethal. 

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How many bees can kill a human? if sting together

The number of bee stings that one can sustain before dying from the toxic effects of the venom depends on an individual. A person who is allergic to bee venom can die from just one bee sting. A healthy adult with no allergy to insect stings can sustain hundreds or thousands of bee stings. Some people have been reported to die after less than 100 bee stings, while others sustain 1200 bee stings. 

An individual can sustain 10 bee stings for each pound of body weight. So, an average adult can survive 1000 bees while a child can tolerate 500 bee stings. 

Why do honeybees sting?

A sting is a defensive reaction to a threat or perceived danger. Honey bees are generally non-aggressive. They only sting when they feel threatened or provoked. 

A beehive consists of a queen, young bees, and honey stores. Honey bees are programmed to protect their nest at all costs. They will sting you when you get close to their nest or tamper with it. In every colony, there are guard bees set to protect the hive. Killers or Africanized bees will attack you with minimal disturbance. 

They will also sting while foraging when threatened. 

Why does a bee sting affect you?

A bee stinger delivers venom that causes pain when injected into the skin. The chemicals in the venom stimulate the nerve endings of the pain receptors in the skin. This causes an uncomfortable sensation which starts as sharp pain and lasts for a few minutes. It then becomes a dull ache. The tissue may still be sensitive to touch even after a few days. 

The body reacts to the venom by secreting a fluid in the body to flush the components from the affected area. This causes redness and swelling in the affected area. 

The stinger of a honey bee remains in the skin when the insect leaves because it is barbed. Unfortunately, the poor creature dies soon after stinging. Removing the stinger promptly reduces the amount of venom that could be injected into the skin. 

Reactions to Bee Stings

There is a broad range of reactions that result after a bee sting. A normal reaction results in swelling or redness on the stung zone and a feeling of itchiness. The swelling can sometimes be severe; for example, if you are stung on a finger, the whole arm can end up swelling. Normal swelling lasts for a few days. 

Allergic reactions to a honey bee sting can develop anywhere in your body and may include mild reactions like hives, nausea, vomiting, headaches and swelling in others of your body. It may also involve life-threatening reactions like difficulty breathing, shock, dizziness, low blood pressure, shock, laryngeal blockage, and unconsciousness. These require immediate medical attention. The symptoms may start immediately after a bee sting for up to 30 minutes. 

Anaphylaxis can be reversed by epinephrine injected into the body. Antihistamines are used to combat non-life-threatening reactions but should be taken according to the doctor’s instructions. 

Effects of Multiple Stings

Mass Envenomation

Mass envenomation results when a person is stung many times before fleeing from the nesting site. This can result in death if one is stung enough times(more than 1000 times for adults. This is estimated to be 10 stings per pound of body weight. However, children are at a greater risk than children. Most deaths from multiple stings have occurred in older men(70-80 years) since they have poor cardiopulmonary functioning. 

Renal Insufficiency

Renal insufficiency is a life-threatening condition which occurs days after multiple stingings. The proteins in the venom act as enzymes. One enzyme dissolves the substance that holds body cells together while the other perforates the cell walls. This damage leaks tissue debris that the kidney would eliminate in a normal situation. Too much debris overloads the kidney, making it clogged. In such a case, a person is at risk of dying of kidney failure. Patients should be monitored for a week following multiple sting attacks. This will ensure there are no secondary health problems that will arise. 

How to Avoid Bee Stings?

• Avoid using perfumes, cologne, or scented soap in a place with bee activity.
• Avoid walking barefoot on vegetation or grass.
• Avoid wearing patterned or bright coloured clothes
• Remain calm when a bee lands on you. It will eventually leave on its own accord. You can also brush it gently with a piece of paper. 
• When in a swimming pool, watch out for bees trapped on the water’s surface. Ensure you remove them to avoid being stung.
• Most stinging incidents occur around their nests; if you see bees or wasps flying to and from a particular place, it is advisable to keep off.
• Be cautious when moving junk that has been lying around for a while.
• Be alert for bees displaying defensive behaviour such as buzzing around your head. This is a warning sign as a bee tells you you are in their territory. 
• Apply insect repellent on your skin or clothing to deter the insects when outdoors.

Can a swarm of bees kill a person?

Yes, a swarm of bees can kill people when disturbed. When you notice a swarm flying towards you, get some cover promptly. If in the house, ensure you close all the doors and windows. If you can’t get a cover nearby, run as fast as possible in a straight line. A healthy person can outrun the bees. 

Protect your face to avoid stings in your eyes, nose, and mouth when under attack. It is good to note that stings on your face are the most deadly, more than bodily stings. You can pull up your sweater or shirt to cover your face if no other means of protection is available. 

How to Avoid Swarms in Your compound?

• Seal cavities and premises that can make a good nest location
• Cover chimneys that are not in use
• Always clean up debris or other items lying on your compound
• Check your storage sheds, flower pots, dog houses, meter boxes, and shrubs.
• Check your perimeter wall regularly for bee colonies or swarms. 

This is Why You Should Never Kill a Bee

You should not kill bees even if they subject us to painful stings. This is because they are very important and productive in the ecosystem. When you notice a swarm or a colony in your compound or a place occupied by people, involves a bee specialist to relocate the colony. You should also pay attention when you see bees coming in and out of walls or an enclosed place. 

You can contact beekeepers, bee suppliers, or pest control services. This will protect you and the bees from harm. 

Does killing a bee attract other bees?

A bee sting venom injection is usually accompanied by the release of pheromones that stir up nearby bees. The process is more pronounced if the bee is fatally injured. If you are near a hive, other bees join the attack. One sting can turn out into hundreds or thousands of stinging bees in a while. This is something you want to avoid at all costs. These pheromones do not clear off or wash off quickly. If the victim enters a pool of water, the bees will wait to resurface and resume the attack. 

Good Things About Bees Stings(Venom)

Bee venom has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit your immune system and skin. It is used to treat some medical conditions like chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis in alternative medicine. However, apitherapy is not acceptable as a viable medical treatment for any condition. The risk of allergic reactions outweighs the benefits. Again the research available is not sufficient.

What to Do When a Bee Runs After You?

If you disturb a nest accidentally, run for your life. If they attack you, run fast in a straight line and immediately take shelter in a building or car. If you are in your compound, get indoors as fast as possible. Do not try to retrieve any of your belongings. If under attack, use your hands or clothes to shield your face and eyes. If there is no shelter around, run until they stop following you. 

How to deal with a swarm?

Do not disturb it. Keep children and pets away from the swarm. If the swarm is located in a safe area( away from people and animals) wait for it to fly away on its own.

If it poses a real threat to people, pedestrians, and animals, find a local beekeeper to remove it. Your local extension agent can refer you to local beekeepers who can collect a swarm. 

What to Do When You are Stung By a Bee?

When stung by a bee, the first step you should take is to remove the sting. Remove it as quickly as possible by using a blunt-edged object to minimise the amount of venom injected into your system. Once the stinger is out, clean the affected area with clean water and stop. Reduce the pain and swelling with a cold press. You can then take an over the counter medication to reduce pain and an antihistamine to ease the irritation.  

What are Killer bees, and why are they more dangerous than common bees?

Killer bees, also known as Africanized honey bees, are close to regular bees. They are a hybrid of African bees and European Honey bees. However, they are more dangerous and aggressive. The defence system for both works the same, but the killer bees have stronger defensive responses to perceived threats. It is easy to provoke them, and they respond very fast and attack in large numbers. Their reaction to disturbances is ten times faster than European honey bees. They can also chase their victims for extremely long distances. 

They dont look for targets actively, but you will land in greater trouble than the regular bees when you disturb them. They are also capable of invading and taking over existing colonies of European honey bees. Research shows that they can attack weak colonies, kill the queen, and take over the hive. Many authorities in the USA are working on how to control the problem of killer bees. On top of their high aggression, they also tend to swarm more frequently and migrate in response to low food shortages.

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 FAQs

Do all bees sting?

Not all bees can sting. There is a large group of bees known as stingless bees. For the stinging bees, the effects of their stings are different. 

Do all bees die when they sting?

Not all bees die when they sting. Only those with barbed stingers like honey bees. Mason bees have smooth stingers and can sting severally, though on very rare occasions. 

Can a dead bee sting you?

A honey bee can sting you only once and dies soon after stinging. However,  the sting of a dead bee can sting you if you accidentally step on it. The force of your body on the sting can result in venom injection. It is good to avoid stepping on dead bees. 

Can bees run faster than a human?

A bee runs at an average speed of 15 miles per hour. Most healthy people run at a higher speed than this. Some bee species, like Africanized honey bees, are known to follow people for more than a quarter-mile. 

Will a bee sting you for no reason?

A honey bee only stings for self-defence. It will also attack to defend the colony. 

Can bees sense fear?

Bees do not sense fear, but they release certain pheromones that bees detect as a threat when a person is afraid. A fearful person is more likely to be attacked by bees than a courageous person. 

How long will pain from a bee sting last?

The burning pain in the stung zone will last 1 to 2 hours. Normal swelling usually takes two days. 

What happens when a bee stinger is not removed?

The stinger continues to pump venom into your skin and increases the chances of infections and allergic attacks.

What to do when a bee lands on you?

Stay calm. It will soon fly off. Don’t try to jump or squash it with your hands since it will sense danger and defend itself with a sting.