Preventing Bee Stings

Topic Overview

To prevent stings from bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets:

• Avoid flowering plants, gardens, and trees with ripe fruit, where bees spend their time.
• Do not use perfumes, scented soaps, and suntan lotion.
• Do not wear bright colors, flowered prints, and rough-textured fabrics (such as wool), all of which attract bees.
• Do not swat a bee or throw an object at a bee or wasp hive. Bees are more likely to attack if they feel threatened.
• If caught in or near a swarm of bees or wasps, move away with slow, deliberate movements.

Related Information

• Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites

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