Jason E. Andersen

I was on a webinar about bees last weekend and one of the participants said something to the effect of the following: “my second cousin got stung by a bee once back in the 60’s and almost died, so I don’t want any plants in my yard that might attract bees.” I’m paraphrasing, but that was the message. I died a little inside upon hearing that.

Bees are pretty cool. And, on the whole, largely misunderstood. Sure, they’ve gained some headway in recent years with their recognition as pollination heroes but, despite that success, they still get a bad rap. It’s on account of the stinging. People just can’t get over it! Did your distant relative get stung by a bee 50 years ago? Did you see the movie ‘My Girl’ in the 90’s? Did a bee once steal your girlfriend in high school? People don’t simply forget that kind of trauma.

Anyway, bees deserve respect but not fear or dislike. They’re not out to hurt you and, in most cases, don’t care you’re there. Just don’t mess with them and they won’t mess with you. If you do mess with them, expect them to defend themselves just like any other animal would do, including yourself.

Bonus Fun Fact: Only female bees can sting. The stinger is a modified egg-laying organ and, therefore, is only present on female bees. In the unlikely event that you are stung by a bee, you will know its sex!