Beekeeping is rewarding but it comes with real risks. Whether you’re a new or experienced beekeeper, safety is everyone’s responsibility. From bee stings to heat exhaustion, from fire hazards to remote locations, working with bees means staying alert and prepared. Use the menu on the right to dive deeper into key topics, including stings and defensive behavior.

If signs of a systemic allergic reaction appear call 911 immediately and consider using an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) if available.

Beekeeping Principles that can Save a Life

• Always ask for clarification when you're unsure of safety procedures.
  • Are there epinephrine auto-injectors available and where are they?
  • Where is the closest hospital?
  • Do we have a fire suppression plan?
• Speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
• Ask for help even if you think it might be inconvenient. Don’t let social discomfort override safety. The regret after an incident is far greater than the discomfort of asking a question.

In safety, there are no “dumb” questions, only missed opportunities to prevent harm.

Safety Plan

Being safe means being prepared and having a plan. Every apiary should have a safety plan in place. A solid apiary safety plan should address the following:

• Description of potential hazards at the site and how to mitigate them
• Emergency response plan: who to contact and how
• Navigation guidance: how to enter and exit the property (gates, roads, locks, etc.)
• Nearest hospital and the best route to get there
• Accurate location information:
  • Apiary address
  • GPS coordinates for first responders
• Communication readiness:
  • Fully charged phone
  • Ensure cellular signal before working alone
  • If working alone, let someone know where you’ll be and when you plan to return

It is strongly recommended to maintain a written safety plan and onboarding procedure for new team members or volunteers. At a minimum, ensure everyone has a shared mental plan and knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Buddy System

Whenever possible, beekeep with a buddy. Having another person present greatly improves safety and (hopefully) efficiency. Benefits of having a buddy include:

• Double-check PPE when putting on and taking off
• Monitor each other's physical and mental condition during work
• Assist with lifting heavy equipment safely
• Catch and correct issues early (e.g., bee aggression, overheating, exhaustion)
• Reduce workload and prevent fatigue