Bees: Myths vs. Facts

Bee Myths
(from http://www.surviveoutdoors.com/reference/beeswasps/index.asp) 
 
Myth: After your first bee sting reaction, future bee stings double and triple in severity.
Fact: In many research studies, repeated stings over time actually have a lesser reaction not an increased one.

Myth: Elderly individuals are more susceptible to a severe reaction than middle-aged.
Fact: The older one gets, the body's histamine production is less. Subsequently, the allergic reaction is less. This is not to say that an anaphylactic reaction cannot occur, although it is rare.

Myth: Bees can see and sting in the dark.
Fact: This is partially true, bees can sting in the dark as a stimulus response reaction. However, they cannot see in the dark. If being chased by a swarm of bees during the day, you can decrease their intensity by running to a dark garage or a darkened area of a forest.

Myth: A severe anaphylactic reaction will usually occur in the first 5 to 10 minutes after being stung.
Fact: Most anaphylactic reactions do occur in the first 15 to 30 minutes. 60% occur in the first hour, and the remaining occur in the next 3 to 4 hours. If there is not a severe reaction in 5 hours, the chances are very good that one will not occur.