“Do you get stung a lot?” This is probably one of the most common questions I hear. The short answer? Yes, stings happen—but they’re not as frequent as you might think, especially with the right precautions.
At the time of writing, I’ve had 17 stings over more than five years of beekeeping. Of those, 14 were from my own apiary, while the rest occurred during a colony removal job and at another beekeeper’s apiary.
For me, this feels like a healthy and realistic number, especially given the fluctuating number of colonies I manage in any given season. Stings are an occupational hazard in beekeeping, but they also come with valuable lessons, helping us better understand and respect the bees.
Why Do Honeybees Sting?
It is a defence mechanism and it is only the female worker bee and the honeybee queen who can sting. The bulkier male drones in the colony do not sting. A honeybee’s sting is a last resort when it feels its hive, queen, or colony is under threat. Unlike other insects, a honeybee can usually only sting once because its barbed stinger becomes lodged in the skin, causing it to die shortly after. I say usually… this is because sometimes if you’re quick and careful, you can use your nail to wipe the embedded sting back towards the bee’s body and sometimes it can fly away again with the sting intact and so it doesn’t die. A bee doesn’t seek to sting you for the fun of it.
Bees are more likely to sting if they feel threatened, disturbed, or if their queen is in danger. However, most bee stings can be avoided with the right approach—being calm, wearing protective clothing, and moving slowly around the hive.
Getting My First Sting
As a beginner beekeeper, my first sting was a pivotal moment. It was a painful reminder of the bees’ natural defensive instincts and an important lesson in respect. It reassured me that my bees could defend themselves when necessary and highlighted how a moment of clumsiness can lead to swift consequences.
From that day on, I knew what to expect from a sting—both the sensation and the recovery process. Oddly enough, this understanding was reassuring and boosted my confidence in managing my colonies.
When is a Sting One Too Many?
Unfortunately, the only way to know is when it happens. While I’ve never experienced anaphylaxis, I’m keenly aware of the very real risks. Beekeepers who work alone should always let someone know when they’re inspecting hives, especially during active months. I make a point of informing my neighbour before heading out to the apiary. He’s pragmatic and understanding of bees, knows the risks, and even has a suit. In an emergency, he’d be able to help if something went wrong.
As a lone beekeeper, I’ve explored whether EpiPens could be available with appropriate training. Unfortunately, they’re only accessible through a prescription, which means I don’t currently qualify.
How Do You Know If You’re Allergic?
Unfortunately, many people only find out about a strong allergy after experiencing a reaction. For those with a known bee or wasp allergy, beekeeping might not be the safest hobby—although some still choose to take the risk. Personally, I won’t sell bees to anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, and that’s the first question I ask on my application form.
After five years of beekeeping, I’ve developed a better understanding of how my body reacts to stings. Wearing sensible PPE that provides both protection and dexterity means most stings don’t fully penetrate my skin, resulting in mild, predictable localised reactions.
A Trip to A&E
Most of my stings have been on my hands and arms, but one particularly memorable sting was to my chin.
While visiting another beekeeper’s apiary, I failed to zip up my hood properly, and a bee got in. Over the next few days, one side of my face swelled significantly—thankfully, it didn’t restrict my breathing. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t have been worse, as the swelling was at its peak during my boyfriend’s 40th birthday celebrations, leaving me more than a little embarrassed.
Another sting incident stands out, this time in my own garden. After a morning of beekeeping, I took a cup of tea outside. As I walked through the garden gate, a random honeybee stung me on my right hand. It's always one bee! This sting felt different—it hurt more than usual, and within hours my hand and arm became hot, itchy, and swollen. The allergy tablets my GP prescribed didn’t help, and after consulting my GP and a Minor Injuries clinic, I was advised to go to A&E. By the time I arrived, my hand was so swollen and discoloured that gripping the steering wheel was almost impossible.
At the hospital, I was given steroids, a scan, and put on a drip. The reaction eventually calmed, but it was a wake-up call. I requested an allergy assessment through my GP, which involved skin-prick testing for bee and wasp venoms and histamine. The results confirmed that my reactions were still localised, but I learned something new: if my immune system is already compromised—whether I’m feeling unwell or run down—the reaction could be far more severe and prolonged.
This experience taught me the importance of awareness. Since then, I’ve set standards for myself: I avoid hive inspections when I’m feeling under the weather and always keep allergy tablets with cetirizine hydrochloride on hand.
Tips to Minimise Sting Risks
Here are some practical steps I take to reduce the risk of stings:
Wear PPE!
Avoid using baggy beekeeping gloves that make you clumsy and more likely to squish bees.
Inspect hives only in good weather, unless absolutely necessary.
Keep your colonies healthy and stress-free with good apiary management.
Have an action plan for dealing with grumpy colonies to protect yourself, others, and animals nearby.
Avoid inspections when feeling unwell or overtired—your immune system and reflexes will thank you.
Be efficient during inspections. Lingering can upset the bees, especially if a gust of wind disturbs the hive when it’s open.
What to Do If You're Stung
While a honeybee sting can be painful, it's usually not life-threatening for most people. Here’s what to do if you get stung:
Remove the stinger: As soon as you’re stung, remove the stinger quickly. Scrape it out with a flat object, like a fingernail or a credit card. Avoid using tweezers or a pinch and pull out approach as this may pump more venom in to you.
Apply ice: To reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the area. Some people have tried making a baking soda and water paste, as it’s believed to neutralize the acidity of the sting, helping to reduce redness, swelling, and itching. I tried this on the unpleasant sting that landed me in A+E, and while it didn’t provide immediate relief, I did find it somewhat soothing. I also elevated my hand at the time, which helped reduce swelling.
Take Antihistamines or whatever you have been prescribed for stings: Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as cetirizine or diphenhydramine, are known to help with swelling and itching. Consult your GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure what to get.
Watch for unexpected allergic reactions: If you have trouble breathing, dizziness, or swelling beyond the sting site, seek immediate medical attention.
Let someone know you’ve been stung: If you're working alone, it’s always a good idea to let someone know you’ve been stung, particularly if you're managing a larger number of hives. In case of a severe reaction, having someone who knows what’s happening, and where you are, can be a lifesaver.
Final Thoughts
Stings are an inevitable part of beekeeping, but with the right precautions, they don’t have to be frequent or severe. By understanding your body’s reactions, being mindful of your health, and maintaining happy, calm, and strong colonies—through good queen genetics and careful management—you can minimize risks and spend more time enjoying the rewarding aspects of beekeeping.
Queen genetics play a critical role in colony temperament. Selecting queens with calm, non-aggressive traits can help create more peaceful hives, which in turn reduces the likelihood of stings. Effective colony management can minimize stress factors contributing to calmer bees. By ensuring your hives are well-managed, you reduce the chances of provoking defensive behaviours that could lead to stings.
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