Bees

• Be aware of the presence of bees while you are working outdoors especially in the vicinity of flowers. Bees tend to sting if they feel threatened or art disturbed, so use caution.
• Avoid wearing floral patterns. Bees and scores of other stinging insects are attracted by bright colors that remind them of real flowers; remember this tip when you are selecting a blanket for your summer picnics.
• Floral scents will attract bees. Avoid using perfume or cologne that has the aroma of flowers--the same thing goes for floral- scented soaps, deodorants, powders and lotions.
• Use caution when you are outdoors just following a rain or thunderstorm. This is because many stinging insects become more aggressive--and may sting without reason-- after pollen has been washed away.
• If a bee, hornet or wasp gets trapped inside your car while you are driving, pull off to the shoulder and let the creature escape before you continue driving.
• If you are sensitive to bees, carry a bee sting kit with you when you go on walks. Be prepared! Even at organized events, bee sting kits may not be available when you need them.
• If you are a volksmarch club member, make sure your club first aid kits include bee sting kits, and that first aid kits are stocked at the start/finish and checkpoints. Check them the week before the walk to make sure all the supplies are there and are not expired.
• Bee sting kits are good to stock in your automobile first aid kit. What, you don't have an automobile first aid kit? Get thee to a pharmacy now! Even if you are not sensitive, you may save the life of somebody else who is sensitive.

  Provided courtesy of The American Wanderer

Copyright January 2003, American Volkssport Association