Nature and water
Bee or wasp attack
Many chase and sting you. In many parts of the southern and southwestern U.S. there are Africanized bees.
Do this nowTap each step when done
- 1Run NOW in a straight line.
- 2Cover your face with your shirt, watching where you go.
- 3Get into a car or building and close it.
- 4Scrape off the stingers quickly with a fingernail or card. They keep releasing venom.
- 5Apply cold to the stings.
- 6Allergic: use their auto-injector and call 911.
- 7Call 911 if there are many stings, widespread hives, or shortness of breath.
Don't
- Don't stay still or flail your arms: it attracts more bees.
- Don't jump in the water: they wait for you to come out.
- Don't use a lawn mower or trimmer near a hive.
Have ready
- Card to scrape off stingers.
- Instant cold packs.
- Two auto-injectors if someone is allergic.
- Over-the-counter antihistamine.
Key factThey can follow you half a mile (800 m) or more. A single sting can kill someone who is allergic. Swelling of the face or throat: 911.
More detail
Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 7 · First Aid
