Do you know which is the largest group of animals with whom we human beings share this earth? They are arthropods, the animal phyla to which ants, bees, wasps, mosquitoes, spiders and scorpions belong. This phylum contains nearly 75 per cent of all the earth's species of animals. A majority of these eight legged, generally tiny, creatures, the insects, don't have much interaction with humans, but the few that have can cause untold misery and pain.
Thousands of these arthropod species possess venom, but attacks on humans are remarkably uncommon. This is because: first, most venoms are used for capturing prey and humans are too large to be prey for arthropods, excepting parasitic and blood-feeding species, and second, those arthropods which use their venom for defence (and most will if pressed) generally do so as a last resort. But some of them can cause human death. Most insects will not attack if left alone. If provoked, a bee will sting in defence of its hive or itself.
How to Reduce the Risk of Being Stung:
Wear light-coloured, smooth-finished clothing. Avoid bright and dark coloured clothing especially with flowery designs. Bees can mistake you for a flower.
Cover the body as much as possible with clothing.
Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, and deodorants. Don't wear cologne or perfume.
Avoid bananas and banana-scented and other sweet scented toiletries. 
Wear clean clothing and bathe daily. Sweat angers bees.
Never swat or flail at a flying insect. If need be, gently brush it aside or wait for it to leave.
Avoid flowering plants.
Keep areas clean. Stinging and biting insects thrive in places where humans discard food. So clean up picnic tables, grills and other outdoor eating areas.
If a single stinging insect is flying around, remain still or lie face down on the ground. The face is the most likely place for a bee or wasp to sting.
If several insects attack, run. Bees release a chemical when they sting that alerts other bees, which join the chase. Go indoors or jump into water. Outdoors, a shaded area is better than an open area.
If a bee comes inside your vehicle, stop the car slowly, and open all the windows.
Avoid walking barefoot in the grass.
Insect repellents don't work against stinging insects.
Do not drink from open beverage cans. The sweet odour may attract insects into the can.
If eating outdoors, keep food covered at all times. Food attracts insects.
Ensure periodic pest control.
Protective clothing should include footwear. Use gloves when working with soil or in areas of heavy infestation.
What to do if a Person is Stung:
Have someone stay with the victim to watch for allergic reaction.
Wash the site with soap and water.
The stinger can be removed by
wiping the area with gauze or scraping it with a fingernail.
Apply ice to reduce the swelling.
Do not scratch. This will cause the site to swell and itch more and increase the chance of infection.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can be deadly. Look for signs such as a swelling that moves to other parts of the body, especially the face or neck, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, or dizziness. If there are such signs, get the person immediate medical care. It is normal for the site to hurt, have a hard swollen lump, get red and itch. Most insect bites may be treated acutely with a compress after routine wound cleaning, or using a mixture of one part household bleach to nine parts water to minimize the pain, sterilize the wound and prevent secondary infection.
For a large local reaction, ice packs may minimize the swelling. Ice
should not be applied for more than 15 min at a time. Keep cloth between ice and skin to prevent thermal injury to the skin. Rarely is there need for hospitalisation. But those who develop signs of systemic response and those with a history of insect-related allergy should be taken to hospital.
