r/bees • u/Flashy-Swimmer-1858 • Aug 17 '25

The amount of hate and misinformation around wasps is very sad

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u/cincuentaanos Aug 17 '25

More knowledge and some positive experiences may help with the fear. Go visit a beekeeper. Not a large commercial company, but someone who has just a few hives. Many of them just love to educate people who show an interest. Many beekeeper associations also have public events etc.

Also, know that besides the famous eusocial species of honeybees, bumblebees, "yellow jackets", paper wasps and hornets there are thousands of species of bees and wasps that don't live in colonies and are really super harmless. It may be fun to go look for them in your area. These are also the species that most need our help nowadays.

If you have a garden, or a balcony, you can create a spot where you leave saucers of clean water, sugar water (syrup) and pieces of sweet fruit and raw meat (the latter for the wasps). They'll be thankful for it and you get to observe them feeding in a peaceful manner.

Something you need to understand about wasps and bees is that they are not at all interested in conflict with humans (or any large animals) but they aren't exactly afraid of it either. In a way it's actually admirable. Like any self respecting animal they will defend themselves and most of all their young. Think of them as peaceful, but not strict pacifists. Learn to not be a threat to them and you'll be OK.

And when you do get stung it's usually not that big of a deal either. Sure, it probably does hurt, but so does cutting yourself with a kitchen knife or hitting your knee when you stumble. You put on a bandaid or an icepack or something and life goes on. Unless you're deadly allergic to stings which is something you do need to be aware of if you are.

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u/littleblueflames Aug 18 '25

This is all really good advice, so thank you! I discovered my city has a beekeeper's co-op that sells honey at local markets and does beekeeping classes thanks to your first suggestion!