Bees & Other Stinging Insects: Bee Aware and Bee Safe

Heidi Ratner-Connolly and Randy Connolly
2LAKES Publishing (2003)
ISBN 0972240004
Reviewed by Kim Peterson for Reader Views (1/06)

This handy book about Bees & Other Stinging Insects provides a lot of important information in a small portable guide. The conversational approach makes the material easy to understand while color photos assist in the identification of bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets.

As part of the “10 things to know” series, the book is divided into 10 categories covering the statistics about stinging insects, explaining the nature of bees and wasps, and enumerating the value of these creatures. The authors provide pertinent information on preventing and avoiding negative encounters, examining the physiology of a sting, gauging the victim’s physical reaction, and controlling the pain. They also devote a chapter to when and how to eliminate these pests if they pose a threat to your home.

Some of the content is common knowledge and common sense, but the Connolly duo reveals interesting information about these insects’ behavior and habits. Did you know wasps can actually summon aid when you are swatting or killing one? The authors also provide good insights into human behavior that can irritate these insects. Do you regularly shriek and flail your arms when an insect buzzes past you? Or, do you gently shake moist beach towels to detect unwanted visitors and avoid trapping them?

Since I am allergic to bee stings, I found the information helpful. I learned the importance of removing the stinger quickly and how to take that step without releasing more venom into my body. I also learned about traditional and homeopathic options to relieve the pain that follows a sting.

Readers of all ages would benefit from the information in Bees & Other Stinging Insects. The authors have compiled a useful tool for those who want to know the important facts in a minimal amount of time.

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