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Preventing bee stings

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.
Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP
- Emergency Medicine and Envenomation Specialist
Last Updated February 1, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 01, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.