Avoid Perfume and Juice During Hiking... Bee Stings Surge Starting in June

Wear Hats and Long Clothes During Hiking, Avoid Using Perfume

As the season of a sharp increase in bee sting accidents returns, citizens heading out for hiking and outings are urged to be cautious.

According to the Fire Agency on the 5th, based on last year’s data, the average number of bee sting accidents over the past three years increased 2.9 times from 342 cases in June to 988 cases in July. On average, 9 people died annually from bee stings, with 9 deaths in 2019, 7 in 2020, and 11 in 2021.

Beware of Bee Stings [Photo by Yonhap News]

The fire authorities are concerned that the risk of accidents will increase this year as the average temperature from June to August is 40% higher than usual.

On May 30th, in Wonju, Gangwon Province, a man in his 30s was stung by a bee while working on a building rooftop and was transported to a hospital.

In June last year, a man in his 60s died after being stung by a bee in the mountains of Mungyeong-si, Gyeongbuk Province.

In July of the same year, mountain club members resting at a shelter in Heukseoksan Natural Recreation Forest in Gyegok-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeonnam Province, were attacked by a swarm of hornets.

Every spring and summer, bee sting accidents surge. This is because, according to the life cycle of hornet species, their activity intensifies and their population rapidly increases as temperatures rise.

Even if you spot a bee, do not wave your arms; quietly avoid it

Honeycomb [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters on the 5th provided safety guidelines to prevent bee sting injuries.

They warned that dark-colored clothing can provoke bees, so it is advisable to wear bright clothes during outdoor activities and reduce the use of strong perfumes, cosmetics, or sprays.

If you find a beehive, do not touch it; instead, lower your posture and move away quietly. Do not wave your arms or make sudden movements as this can threaten and agitate the bees.

Generally, bee stings cause swelling and pain, but people with allergies, the elderly, and children may experience acute shock reactions that can be life-threatening. Forcibly removing the stinger and irritating the wound can cause inflammation and increase danger.

The fire authorities warned, "It is best not to bring sweet foods such as juice or fruit as they can attract bees," and added, "If hypersensitive allergic reactions such as a drop in blood pressure occur after a bee sting, it can be fatal in severe cases."