Spring is not the only thing in the air!
So are the honey bees. Yes, we are already receiving calls about honey bees. However, we are not receiving calls about swarms, we are receiving calls about colonies and hives inside structural walls.
All wildlife species will be “turning out” in the warming weather. It’s just that time of year. We’ll be seeing offspring, dumped trashcans, raccoons and opossums on back porches eating the pet food we left out, mole and gopher activities, breeding and nesting residential Canada geese, starlings, pigeons and more. The potential problem however, lies in the honey bees. Especially in and around school properties and highly populated buildings, structures, offices and such.
The problem is not the honey bees themselves, but what they can do to the “unsuspecting” citizen, who might not know, until it’s too late, that once stung they might have an anaphylactic reaction to the sting.
The following quote was taken from the research pages of the USDA website located at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=11067
Many people believe they are allergic to honey bees when in fact they are experiencing symptoms of a normal reaction. Only a very limited portion of the population (one or two out of 1000) is allergic or hypersensitive to bee or wasp stings. The average person can safely tolerate 10 stings per pound of body weight. This means that although 500 stings could kill a child, the average adult could withstand more than 1100 stings. Most deaths caused by multiple stings have occured in elderly individuals who may have had poor cardiopulmonary functioning.
Two kinds of reactions are usually associated with bee stings and those of other stinging insects as well: (1) local or (2) systemic, allergic, or life-threatening.
(1) Local Reactions:
A local reaction is usually characterized by pain, swelling, redness, itching, and a wheal surrounding the wound made by the stinging apparatus. Swelling can sometimes be sever. For instance, if stung on the finger, the arm may be swollen even up to the elbow. Swelling such as this is fairly common, even though it may be alarming. However, a more serious allergic reaction may be indicated if other parts of the body besides the general area in which the sting occured beging to swell. For example, if stung on the left hand and the right hand or neck shows swelling you should seek medical attention immediately. Normal swelling may last up to a few days. During the days following a stinging incident, the wound may itch.This is the reaction of a majority of persons and those suffering it are considered to be at little risk of death, unless the mouth or throat is affected so that the respiratory tract is obstructed. Many in the general population continue to believe that because they “swell up,” they are at risk of losing their life when stung by bees.
How to alleviate the sting: Swelling may be reduced by icing the wound and/or taking an antihistamine such as Benedril. Topical solutions such as calamine may also help to alleviate pain associated with stinging. It is beneficial to drink plenty of water.
(2) Systemic, Allergic, or Life-Threatening Reactions:
It is possible to have a sever allergic reaction to a bee sting that is not life-threating. Remeber, if an allergic reaction occurs, do seek medical attention immediately, but try not to panic. Panic will only worsen the reaction. Allergic reactions to bee stings can develop anywhere on the body and may include:Rash or hives Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Dizziness or severe headache Swelling that is not in the general area of the sting site, especially in the throat, neck, or tongue. Shortness of breath or difficulty in swallowing. Shock Unconsciousness Drop in blood pressure If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Symptoms can begin immediately following the sting or up to 30 minutes later and might last for hours. Anaphylaxis, or the inability to breath, will occur within seconds or minutes of a sting. Anaphylaxis, if treated in time, usually can be reversed by epinephrine (adrenaline) injected into the body. Individuals who are aware that they are allergic to stings should carry epinephrine in either a normal syringe (sting kit) or an auto-injector (Epi-Pen) whenever they think they might encounter stinging insects. Epinephrine is obtainable only by prescription from a physician.
We DO NOT kill honey bees! If you are having problems with honey bees … contact us today for services and availability. For more information about honey bees in Oklahoma, please visit Tulsa Bee Removal. Thank you.