This year I’ve been stung twice and had very painful reactions (not, thank goodness, anaphylactic shock, but significant swelling and itchiness).
Is there any kind of spray that will discourage ground bees from stinging?
I really don’t want to skip the next few hunts (until we have a frost) but the stings put me out of commission for a day or two. And that’s from being bit once!
I’ve heard a few times that horses sprayed with the Tritec 14 seem to avoid getting stung when those around get hit. Maybe someone can corroborate? Have not, thankfully, tested that one myself.
I started to use a 40% DEET spray on my horses.
A very light misting is all that is needed.
I also mist myself a little bit but I’d not count on that to avoid a sting.
If you’re really having a reaction I’d go to the dr and ask about an Epi-Pen - reactions can get worse, especially if you suffer more than one sting. And the middle of the woods is one helluva time to find out your body decided its had enough.
There is a chewable Benadryl available, which can be kept in your sandwich case or in a pocket.
But again, if you’re having a significant reaction I’d consult a physician and develop a plan for you, then work on what product will help keep bees away from the horse.
Spoke to my Dr. today and she prescribed an epi pen. Although thankfully, she doesn’t think that I’m going to need it – I don’t want to have a bad reaction while out in the woods!
We carry liquid Benadryl at the hunt (usually) but since jackets were waived last Saturday because of the heat, the field master didn’t have any. I won’t go out again without it.
The Art of Avoiding Bee Stings
I noticed that there is a pattern to bee attacks. The vibration in the ground sets them off. They need time to organize and swarm the attack. The first 2 horses can go over a nest and be ok. The third one may be ok if it is moving at a trot. The fourth and 5th will most likely get zapped. I try to be far enough back in the line of horses that the commotion is well in front of me. Then I can plan an alternative path around the dangerous area. Sometimes being in the back is a GOOD thing. Usually by 15th horse is pretty safe.
It’s worse if the horses knock the dead wood on the ground. The bees like to make their nests under it. Cavaletti work is a GOOD thing to practice! The bees like to be near water, especially wooded stream banks.
I do use tri-tek 14 for the ticks, etc. I don’t know if it has made a difference in the bees. I also tend to ride early or late. Then I have the benefit of low light and cooler temps. Then the other critters are active, so I have a whole 'nother problem to deal with… skunks and deer.:eek:
That’s why I try to ride up behind the field master. The closer to the front the better!
But you’re right, if you ride toward the back of the field you can sometimes find a way around the bees.
Thankfully, on Saturday, we saw no bees (although I had an epi-pen and benadryl in my saddle bag and doused myself and my horse in deep woods off!)
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