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Lightning Strike Analogy - See the following article showing that death by insect sting in the US occurs approximately as often as death by lightning strike. FAQ: Bee Sting Allergies and Municipal Regulations, Prepared by Parke Troutman at http://sdfoodpolicy.org/downloads/UA_FAQ_Bee_Allergies_2012Jan.pdf “Anaphylactic reactions from stings leading to death are so rare that there is little reason to factor them into decisions about honeybee policies… If we want to simply look at deaths from ‘Contact with hornets, wasps and bees’ [mortality code X23], we get 503 deaths in the US from 1999 to 2007, or 57 deaths per year. This is from the CDC Compressed Mortality File.” (Actual search: http://wonder.cdc.gov/controller/datarequest/D53;jsessionid=8AB58AB32311FE08C0FAC8B27D1099CD). “The deaths for all stinging insects is very close to US annual deaths by lightning strike. CDC notes 458 deaths from 1999-2007” (or 57.25 deaths/year). Given that CDC’s mortality code X23 does not separate honeybees from hornets and wasps, which are much more likely to sting, one can assume that the likelihood of dying from a honeybee sting is much lower than that of dying from a lightning strike. Allergy Test - If one has not made a visual identification of what kind of flying insect stung them, and does not have evidence of a stinger lodged in the skin, the only other way to make the determination is to take an allergy test. If someone is extremely allergic to bees, such as those who have had a past anaphylactic reaction, they would very likely have been tested for bee allergies already and would have medical documentation of the specific sensitivity. Tests distinguishing between the common kinds of local insect stings and other allergies are commonly available at local allergy clinics. Mayo Clinic reports at http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bee- stings/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20034120 that this test is safe and won't cause any serious reactions. If you're allergic, you will develop a raised bump on your skin at the test site. A blood test can measure your immune system's response to a given venom by measuring the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream. A blood sample is sent to a medical laboratory, where it can be tested for evidence of sensitivity to possible allergens. Allergists have venom available for the common local stinging insects such as honeybee, white faced hornet, yellow hornet, yellow jacket and wasp. Insurance generally covers the cost of an allergy test, except for the co- pay portion. Therefore, the only downside of the test is the inconvenience and time commitment. If one is subject to anaphylaxis, such testing would be prudent whether one’s neighbor has an apiary or not. Other Options Available to those subject to Bee Sting Allergies Those who are allergic to bee stings have options outside of requesting the revocation of a neighbor’s apiary registration. This includes immunotherapy, or carrying an EpiPen, or bee proofing their property, and last but not least, respecting bees. Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy is available for Hymenoptera venom. If someone is truly concerned about bee stings, they can have venom immunotherapy treatment for prevention of anaphylactic reactions. “When sting reactions occur after stopping venom immunotherapy, most are quite mild and almost always are less severe than the pre-treatment reaction.” See Golden. EpiPen – One can carry an auto-injector (epinephrine) for use should they have an anaphylactic reaction due to a sting or other food or drug conditions. It is an emergency injection (shot) of epinephrine used for the treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. The epinephrine auto-injector is designed for single- dose use by patients and caregivers in an anaphylactic emergency. After administering, emergency care should be sought. 2