Bee Stings: What’s the Buzz and What to Do
- May 14
- 5 min read
Hey Honey Fans!
The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and the buzzing has officially begun here in the Finger Lakes. That means it's time to get outside, and also time to keep an eye out for our winged and sometimes stinging neighbors. From honey bees to hornets, the local air traffic is picking up, and so is the risk of an unexpected “hello” from a stinger.
But before you go swatting wildly at anything that flies, grab yourself a calming cup of honey-sweetened tea (we know just where to get the good stuff 😉) and settle in. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about stinging insects, including how bee stings work, why they happen, how to tell a honey bee from a hornet, and most importantly, what to do if you (or someone else) gets stung.
Spoiler alert: not all buzzes are bad, and some just want to mind their own beeswax. Let’s dive in!
Anatomy & Chemistry of a Bee Sting
Stings, those tiny moments of backyard betrayal, are one of nature’s less cuddly reminders that even the sweetest creatures (yes, honey bees, we’re looking at you) have their limits. Whether you're a curious beekeeper, a gardener, or a parent navigating the great outdoors, understanding the science and safety around stings can make a big difference.
A honey bee’s sting is more than just a prick—it’s a precision tool evolved for defense. Female worker bees (the ones doing all the stinging) have a barbed stinger attached to a venom sac. When they sting, the barbed stinger lodges in the skin and tears from the bee’s abdomen, leading to her unfortunate demise.
What’s inside that venom? A cocktail of over 60 components, including:
Melittin – causes pain and inflammation
Phospholipase A2 – damages cell membranes
Histamine – dilates blood vessels and contributes to itchiness
Apamin – affects the nervous system
It’s a complex brew designed to defend the hive from threats, not to startle your afternoon picnic.
Why Honey Bees Sting
Honey bees don’t sting lightly. In fact, they’re reluctant to sting because it’s a kamikaze mission. But they will sting when:
They feel their hive is threatened
They’re accidentally stepped on or swatted
They’re agitated by strong scents, vibrations, or quick movements
Guard bees patrol the entrance of the hive and will sound the alarm if danger approaches, sometimes literally releasing alarm pheromones to recruit backup. That banana-like smell near a hive? Probably not a smoothie- likely bee battle prep.
Other Stinging Insects: How They Differ
Not all stings are created equal. Let’s break it down:
Identifying Common Stinging Insects
A sting is bad enough—you shouldn't also have to play "Guess That Bug!" Here's how to identify the usual suspects at a glance (and from a safe distance).
HONEY BEE
Look For: Fuzzy, golden-brown bodies with black stripes. Compact and rounded shape.
Behavior: Often seen visiting flowers. Gentle unless the hive is threatened.
Buzz Factor: Moderate and melodic. Remember our saying- "Fuzzy bee, nice to me. Smooth one, better run."
Bumble Bee
Look For: Large, very fuzzy bodies with black and yellow bands. Round and clumsy fliers.
Behavior: Milder than honey bees. Nests underground or in cavities.
Buzz Factor: Loud and low, almost like a bee in a bass choir.
Yellow Jacket
Look For: Smooth, bright yellow and black stripes. Sleek, narrow waist.
Behavior: Aggressive. Attracted to food—especially sweets and meat. Nests in the ground or walls.
Buzz Factor: High-pitched and menacing.
Paper Wasp
Look For: Long legs, slim waist, reddish-brown to dark with yellow markings.
Behavior: Less aggressive unless nest is disturbed. Nests are papery and umbrella-shaped, often under eaves.
Buzz Factor: Quiet unless provoked.
Bald-Faced Hornet
Look For: Black body with white face and markings. Larger and more imposing.
Behavior: Highly defensive of their large, hanging paper nests. Will chase intruders.
Buzz Factor: Low and serious—like they mean business.
Pro Tip: If you're near a hive or nest and see multiple insects flying in a straight line to and from a single location, you’ve found their home base. Respect the air traffic and give them space! And always remember our saying-
"Fuzzy bee, nicer to me. Smooth one, better run."
What to Do If You're Stung
Even with the knowledge we've given you, stings still can happen. Whether it’s a honey bee or its bad-tempered cousins, a sting needs prompt attention:
Remove the Stinger (if present):Use a straight-edged object like a credit card to scrape it out. Don’t use tweezers—squeezing can inject more venom.
Wash the Area:Soap and water help prevent infection.
Apply a Cold Compress:Reduce swelling and soothe the sting.
Try a Remedy:
Honey (yes, nature’s own anti-inflammatory hero)
Baking soda paste (neutralizes venom)
Apple cider vinegar
Meat Tenderizer
Over-the-counter creams (hydrocortisone, calamine)
We love you to use "Bug Bite Thing". (not sponsored) It works even a few days after the sting or bite. Highly recommend.
Take an Antihistamine if swelling or itching gets annoying.
When to Worry: Allergic Reactions
Most stings are uncomfortable, but not dangerous. However, watch for signs of an allergic reaction:
Hives or rash away from the sting site
Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Dizziness or fainting
Rapid heartbeat
These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency. Use an epinephrine auto-injector if available and call 911 immediately.
If you or someone you know is allergic, it's wise to:
Carry an EpiPen
Wear a medical ID bracelet
Talk with a doctor about venom immunotherapy
Bee Wise, Bee Ready
Whether you're gardening, hiking, or just soaking up the sun here in the Finger Lakes, it's smart to know how to identify stinging insects and what to do if one gets a little too close for comfort. Bee stings aren’t fun, but they’re rarely dangerous. With a bit of know-how and a few home remedies, most folks bounce back quickly.
And remember: honey bees aren’t out to get you, they’re just doing their job. So next time one buzzes by, give her a little space, thank her for pollinating your garden, and walk calmly away.
While you’re recovering (or just relaxing), treat yourself to a cup of our Lemon Bee Tea, made with calming lemon balm. Perfect for soothing both nerves and sunny afternoons. And don’t forget our raw Fingerlakes honey—a sweet staple for your tea, toast, or natural remedy cabinet. At Fingerlakes Honey Company, we’re here for the sweet moments and the stings.
Stay safe, stay curious, and let us know how we can help you keep buzzing along!
Do you have any home remedies that work for stings? Let us know in the comments below.
Until Next Time- Stay Sweet!
Tom and Stacie
Tom and Stacie, are co-owners of Fingerlakes Honey Company located in the bee-utiful Fingerlakes region of New York State. When they are not tending to all things bees, they enjoy spending time with their grown children, their dog, and lots of chickens on their homestead. They love learning more about the bees they foster and helping others to learn more about them as well.
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