Did Your Neighbors Take up Beekeeping? 3 Tips to Protect Your Child from a Life-Threatening Bee Sting Reaction
Backyard beekeeping has become a popular trend in recent years as more people want to do their part to increase the declining population of bees, and many people love the idea of having their own natural source of honey. While you may have nothing against bees, you also can't help but worry about your child's safety every time he or she plays outside. When your neighbors start setting up their hive, you can use these tips to make sure that their new hobby does not result in a life-threatening reaction for your child.
Teach Preventative Behaviors
The best way to avoid a bee sting allergic reaction is to follow proper practices that help your child avoid being stung in the first place. Since you can expect to see a few more bees flying around your yard than normal, it is best to teach your child how to act if he or she notices one in the vicinity. Talk to your child about why it is best to avoid screaming, running away, or swatting at a bee. Instead, instruct your child to stand still or slowly walk to safety so that your child does not provoke the bees. When the bees are active, you may also choose to dress your child in longer sleeves and pants to further reduce the amount of skin that is exposed to a potential sting.
Test Your Child for Allergies
Now that you live near an active beekeeping site, each person in your family is a candidate for allergy testing, even if none of you have ever had a life-threatening reaction in the past. Allergy testing is done through either a skin test or a blood test, and having the results in hand helps you know what steps to take next. For instance, your neighbors may change their mind if you tell them about the bee allergy, or they could agree to give you a warning if they notice a large swarm near your yard.
Stick to the Treatment Plan
Fortunately, you do have options to treat a stinging insect allergy before it turns into an emergency. Some children are eligible to take allergy shots that reduce the likelihood of them experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. If this is an option for your child, make sure to complete the entire treatment so that it is most effective. Your child may also be given medication such as an epinephrine autoinjector, or epi-pen. Make sure that anyone who spends time caring for your child knows where this is located and how to use it at your home.
You might not have much control over what happens in your neighbor's yard, but you do have things that you can do to minimize the risks associated with beekeeping near your child. Remember that being proactive is often the best protection when it comes to avoiding dangerous allergic reactions from stinging insects.
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