Worst Ways to React to a Bee Attack

Bees want to be left alone, and in return they usually leave us alone. Even when you see a swarm of bees in the wild, they usually move from one hive to another rather than chasing the enemy. But on rare occasions, such as when their home is disturbed, the bees can and do attack humans. When this happens, you must know how to react and what not to do. (Note: this advice is about what to do when a swarm of bees is flying behind you, not what you should do when a single drone flies by.)

Don’t stand still (or try to fight back)

If your first thought is to swat the bees, you are wasting valuable time. Don’t stand and hit them, and certainly don’t waste time looking for a fly swatter or taking off your shoes. Just get away from them.

Running increases the distance between you and the bees and allows you to get to a safe place, such as a house or car, where you can separate from the deadly swarm. Running should be your absolute number one strategy.

Don’t cover your face

It is true that bees sometimes target the eyes, nose, and mouth of the person they are attacking. But if you cover your face, it will be difficult for you to see where you are going when you run away. And remember, the most important thing is to run away .

Don’t jump into the water

Bees don’t swim, so a pond or lake may seem safe. But there are reports that bee attacks are getting worse because the attackers have taken refuge in a pond. Whenever you come up to take a breath, the bees will attack your face . And yes, you can inhale the bees, which can then sting you from the inside .

Don’t play dead

This can work when attacked by some animals (like grizzly bears, which aren’t particularly vicious ), but it’s not the best strategy with bees. They will sting you and they will release a pheromone that will make other bees sting you, so pretending to be dead is asking for more stings.

Remember that your first task is to run . And seek medical attention if you end up getting a large number of stings, if you’re allergic to bee stings, or if you start noticing any signs of an allergic reaction. Calling 911 is not an overreaction to a bee attack; attacks that result in hundreds of bites can be life-threatening.