| A bee stinger is one of
nature's little wonders. After a honeybee
stings you and deposits its stinger, the
stinger continues to pump venom into you
for up to twenty minutes. A self
contained unit, the stinger has a barb to
pierce the skin, a venom sac to hold the
stuff that stings you, and a set of
muscles to push the barb and venom deeper
into you skin. It even has a pheromone
that attracts other bees to you.
Swift
removal of the stinger is preferred to a
more careful removal that takes even 5
seconds longer. Unfortunately, no matter
how fast you act, getting stung will
always be painful.
Immediately after removal of
the stinger, apply an ice cube for
several minutes afterwards dab site with
a meat tenderizer that contains Papua.
Itching usually occurs and can be
controlled with an antihistamine.
Of course, its better to avoid
getting stung in the first place! When
many potential sting victims see a bee
fly near them, they start swatting at it.
Oddly enough, the bee interprets this
action as aggressive behavior, if it gets
a chance, it'll probably sting. Instead,
try letting the bee fly around you (yes,
even land on you) and you'll watch it fly
away within ten seconds.
Try it- - -you'll be amazed
how well it works. It takes some self
control, but the pay-off is immediate and
satisfying.
|
HoneyBee Stings and Stinger Removal