What do I do when someone gets stung by a bee?

While Alvéole honeybees are incredibly gentle, knowing exactly how to respond to a sting ensures everyone stays safe and comfortable around the hive.

Immediate Actions for a Bee Sting

• Assess for severe allergic reactions: Call emergency services immediately if the person experiences difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness.

• Administer basic first aid: If there are no signs of a severe allergic reaction, promptly remove the stinger if it is visible. Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, and apply a cold compress to minimize swelling and pain.

• Report the incident to Alvéole: Once the person is stable and cared for, email support@alveole.buzz so our team can investigate and make any necessary safety adjustments to the site. Please include:

  • Name of the person stung

  • Their direct contact information

  • Date and time of the incident

  • Specific circumstances (exact location and what activities were occurring when the sting happened)

How to Prevent Bee Stings

• Respect physical boundaries: Your beekeeper deliberately places hives away from heavy foot traffic to reduce accidental interactions. Maintain a secure perimeter—such as a small fence, railing, or natural planter barrier—to clearly mark the bees' space and discourage unauthorized visitors from getting too close.

• Keep educational signage visible: Use the safety signage included in your Alvéole package. Placing these signs near the hive effectively notifies tenants and visitors of the bees' presence, reassures them of the bees' docile nature, and provides clear guidelines for safe coexistence.

• Practice calm behaviour: Remind your community that bees respond to their environment. Coexisting peacefully simply requires moving slowly around the hive, keeping out of the bees’ direct flight path, and never swatting at them.