While Spring is a time for blooming flowers and warm sunny days, it's also a time for bees and bee stings.

For many people, bee stings are nothing more than a painful irritation that passes within a few hours. However, for more than two million Americans who suffer from bee sting allergies, the reaction from a bee sting can be far more intense. Symptoms of bee allergies may include hives, itching, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and in a few cases, anaphylactic shock.

Because traditional insect repellents won't prevent bee stings, it's important to know what does work and how to treat bee stings, from the minor to the severe.

Prevent bee stings by taking the following precautions:
• Don't wear brightly colored clothes or floral prints as bees are attracted to vibrant colors.
• Bees are also attracted to sweet scents, so avoid wearing fragrances, lotions, shampoos and cosmetics.
• Sweet food and drinks are well-known for enticing bees, especially canned soda drinks. The tiny insect will climb in the opening and may sting if someone unwittingly takes a sip.
• Always wear shoes outdoors especially when walking in the grass. Bees are attracted to the white clover weed that is found in most lawns.
• Bees are not typically aggressive insects and their stingers are used in defense. If a bee flies a little too-close-for-comfort, just hold still. Quick movement may frighten the bee into stinging.

Minor bee stings are easily treated by removing the stinger immediately. Next, place a cold compress on the infected area. If minor itching occurs, use antihistamine or calamine lotion. Applying ammonia, or a paste of baking soda and water to the affected area, will produce a similar result. While swelling may not be noticeable until the next day, most pain caused by bee stings will dissipate within two hours.

If more serious reactions occur such as vomiting, dizziness or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical care. You should also seek immediate treatment if there are ten or more stings. Or, if the sting is located in the nose or mouth as swelling may inhibit breathing.

So this Spring, enjoy the great outdoors and take time to smell the flowers. Just give the busy bees their space.