Whether its honeybees, wasps, hornets or scorpions its the sting that will get you. I don’t think anyone of us enjoys accidentally getting stung by something but to many it just takes one sting and we go into anaphylactic shock. Until I read this article about the “Canadian Mayor dies after wasp attack” I didn’t or couldn’t remember that one sting might not kill you but the next might trigger that anaphylactic shock. That is why we must all be aware of our surroundings whether hiking, camping or just out for a stroll around your home.
Did you know honeybees have a stinger that is barbed, so one sting and they give up their life for the colony while wasps, hornets and scorpions can continue to sting. Paperwasps sometimes look like they are watching you as walk around or into the path where their nests is. I don’t think it is a death watch its just that they are protecting their nests. So be warned and stay clear if possible.
Photo by PPMA
Here are a few tips on honeybee swarms:
- Generally speaking a swarm such as the one above will move on in time, usually 24 hours.
- When a swarm happens the bees take in honey and are therefore less aggressive, don’t provoke them.
- A swarm will send scouts out to look for an new home.
- If they land on a tree, bush or fence give them some time. If they land on your house it is better to take care of it ASAP.
- By just looking at them it is impossible to determine if they are Africanized.
- Once they establish a hive or colony they will defend with their lives.