Most bees are busy and are not out to sting you. The biggest problem are wasps and yellow jackets. Wasps tend to be more aggressive than bees and will swarm after you and your food if you’re eating outdoors. They can sting several times because they don’t leave the stinger behind, whereas honey bees only sting once. But their sting can be dangerous.

People who are allergic to stings can have a severe or even life-threatening reaction. Symptoms include extensive swelling and redness from the sting or bite that may last a week or more, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Rarely, insect stings may cause anaphylaxis, with symptoms including difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, throat, or mouth, rapid pulse, dizziness, or a sharp drop in blood pressure. For those severely allergic, epinephrine should be administered immediately after a sting; allergy shots are recommended to prevent anaphylaxis with future stings.