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Avoiding Insect Stings in the Outdoor Environment

While training early educators/teachers in Saskatoon, Canada recently someone came up to me after the training on utilizing naturalized yards to share with me that she was afraid to be outside because of a possible bee sting. The educator was asking for my advice and the following paragraphs were written to help others conquer their fears about bees or other stinging insects. When I chose to volunteer for three years at a children’s garden, I had to face my own fears about bees. I was never stung by a bee as a child however I can still remember a fourth grade classmate who was.

My second negative experience with stinging insects was equally removed from the outdoor environment. In the 1980’s while I was in a child care center conducting a licensing study, I was not aware that a bee had flown into my shirt until the director and I sat down at naptime to discuss something. The trapped bee became agitated and tried to fly out of my shirt but got caught on my neck scarf (Yes, scarves were the fashion in the 1980’s!) The bee stung me on my neck and I was so surprised and shocked that I jumped up and pulled off my blouse without even thinking. It was a good thing that the director was female otherwise I might haven been even further embarrassed! I know this situation must have been comical and made for great conversation in the local childcare director’s support group, however the experience taught me some valuable lessons. The more I learned about bees over the next 20 years, the less that my fears were in the forefront of my mind.

Bees are everywhere not just in gardens. Bess have a role to play in the circle of life and that is pollination of flowers, fruits, bushes, trees and even vegetables and herbs. Without bees our earth would be void of many plant materials.

Bees do not go out of their way to stalk and seek a human to sting. We just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time or, as in my case, we dress in ways that mimic their desired targets, fragrant flowers.

Although most stinging insects will not cause lasting health problems, some individuals are highly sensitive to bee stings. For such sensitive children/adults, one sting can bring on anaphylactic shock and they can possibly die from breathing problems.

For these reasons, you will want to carry an adrenaline pen for emergencies and know how to use it. This action can counteract the venom and possibly save a life. The best way to avoid an emergency is to teach staff and children about bees, their habitats and favorite hangouts as well as how to avoid them altogether.

Books and hand puppets can be used to help children better understand bee behavior. You can also discuss appropriate behaviors around bees such as standing still and not disturbing their nests. Also educate others about not swatting at bees as this only agitates them further.

Children and adults should avoid wearing bright colored shirts, hair spray, hair oils, and perfume in the childcare setting. These physical reminders help to attract bees as if you were a giant flower!

Also avoid places where bees hang out such as fruit trees. Avoid drink cans and popsicles, as sugar will attract bees. And, wear your shoes at all times to protect your feet.

If you want to install plant materials that bloom try to find plants that attract fewer bees, ones that bloom early in the season or put them in a designated butterfly/bee/critter garden. By providing the right information and support, you can help someone overcome their concerns about being stung.

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