When a bee lands unexpectedly, the natural reaction is often panic and the impulse to swat it away. This instinct can turn a harmless encounter into a painful one, as honeybees only sting when they perceive a threat to themselves or their colony. Understanding that a bee landing on you is typically an act of confusion or need, rather than aggression, is the first step toward a safe resolution. The key is to replace the panic reflex with calm, deliberate action.
The Critical First Rule: Stay Calm
The most important step when a bee lands on you is to immediately stop all movement and remain still. A honeybee’s primary defense mechanism is its barbed stinger, which fatally tears the bee’s abdomen upon removal. Because stinging results in the bee’s death, this action is only performed as a last resort when the insect feels its life or hive is in danger.
Any sudden motion, such as flailing an arm, will be interpreted as an attack, triggering the defensive sting reflex. Also, avoid blowing on the bee, as the carbon dioxide in your breath can be perceived as an alarm signal. Simply hold your body still and wait for the bee to recognize the lack of a threat and fly away on its own.
Understanding Why the Bee Landed
Bees are usually drawn to humans for specific, non-aggressive reasons centered on mistaken identity or a physiological need. One common attraction is perspiration, as bees seek out the moisture and salts contained within human sweat, especially on hot days. The bee is essentially seeking a nutrient source and may land to sip the liquid from your skin.
Another frequent cause is the use of scented products that mimic the odor of flowers, the bee’s primary food source. Strong perfumes, scented lotions, and brightly colored clothing can confuse a foraging bee, leading it to investigate a person as a potential blossom. A bee may also land simply because it is temporarily exhausted or disoriented and needs a moment to rest before continuing its flight.
Gentle Removal Techniques
If the bee remains on your skin after a few moments of stillness, gently encourage it to leave without causing alarm. If the bee is on clothing or a non-sensitive part of the body, slowly walking to a shaded area can often prompt it to fly away. Bees prefer sunlight for navigation, and the change in light can signal to the insect that it is time to move on.
If a slight nudge is necessary, use a piece of paper, a large leaf, or a blade of grass to slowly slide under the bee to lift it. Once the bee is on the object, gently place the object on the ground or a nearby flower. The motion must be slow and steady to prevent the bee from perceiving the action as a threat.
Immediate Steps Following a Sting
If a honeybee stings, the immediate priority is to remove the stinger quickly, as the attached venom sac can continue pumping venom into the skin for up to a minute. Studies indicate that the speed of removal is more important than the method, but it is generally recommended to scrape it out with a fingernail or the rigid edge of a credit card. Avoid pinching the stinger with tweezers or fingers, as this can squeeze the venom sac and inject more venom.
After removal, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water to clean the wound and reduce the risk of infection. Applying a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce localized swelling and pain. It is important to monitor for signs of a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, which include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Widespread hives
- Swelling of the face or throat
- Dizziness
If any of these symptoms appear, seek emergency medical help immediately, and administer an epinephrine auto-injector if one is available and prescribed.