Glossary
A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs within seconds to minutes of exposure to an allergen. In beekeeping, anaphylaxis can be triggered by bee stings in individuals with venom allergies, causing symptoms including difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, rapid pulse drop, and loss of consciousness.
While most bee stings cause only localized pain, swelling, and redness, approximately 3 percent of adults who are stung by a bee will experience a systemic allergic reaction. Of those, a smaller percentage will experience anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline).
The risk of anaphylaxis is why beekeeping organizations strongly recommend that all beekeepers, especially those who have not been stung recently, keep an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) in their bee yard at all times. Previous mild reactions do not guarantee future reactions will be mild.
Anaphylaxis typically develops rapidly after a sting. Warning signs include hives or flushing beyond the sting site, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or wheezing, dizziness or fainting, rapid or weak pulse, nausea, and a sense of impending doom. If any of these symptoms appear after a bee sting, administer epinephrine and call emergency services immediately.
It is worth noting that a person can be stung multiple times without a systemic reaction and then develop one unexpectedly. Allergic sensitization can develop at any point in a beekeeper's career, which is why vigilance and preparedness are essential.
Approximately 3 percent of adults who are stung experience systemic allergic reactions. Fatal anaphylaxis from bee stings is rare, accounting for roughly 60 to 80 deaths per year in the United States, but the risk is real and should be taken seriously.
Yes. Most beekeeping organizations recommend that all beekeepers keep an epinephrine auto-injector accessible in their bee yard. Even beekeepers who have been stung many times without issue can develop an allergy at any point.
Venom immunotherapy, administered by an allergist, can desensitize individuals to bee venom and is highly effective, with a success rate above 95 percent. Many beekeepers with known allergies undergo this treatment to continue keeping bees safely.
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