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, or suntan lotion.
- Do not wear bright colors, flowered prints, or 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 you're caught in or near a swarm of bees or wasps, move away with slow, deliberate movements.
Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.