Which phobia is the fear of bees?

Fear of bees, technically known as melissophobia and also known as apiphobia, is one of the common fears among people and is a kind of specific phobia. Most people have been stung by a bee or had friends or family members stung. A child may fall victim by treading on a bee while playing outside. The sting can be quite painful and in some individuals results in swelling that may last for several days and can also provoke allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, so the development of loathsome fear of bees is quite natural.

The term "apiphobia" comes from Latin "apis" for "honey bee", Greek "φόβος" and "phobos", meaning "fear".

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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27 Comments

Rob Bowman

As an apiarist of over 30 years I have a great passion and respect for bees. They only sting to defend their hive from a perceived threat. The age and temperament of the queen will determine how aggressive a colony is. As well as genetic influences, environmental factors can make bees more aggressive than normal. They hate diesel fumes and other chemical smells, and don't go near them when there is a thunderstorm around. I can work an apiary all day with just a head veil and come away with no stings. Treat the girls well and they will accept your presence and leave you alone to do your work while they do theirs.

ninakamwene

Rob Bowman, Thank you Rob for educating us. The Africanized bees get a bad rap. As an African lady, I agree with you about treating ALL girls right and they will leave you alone if you want to live. Ha-ha-ha!

Howard Groopman

Easy if you know an apiary is a collection of beehives.

larrywagner

Rob Bowman, Thank you for the first hand information. Our country is in a great depression of honey bees. Way too many chemicals used today that have put the bee population in distress.

JRW

I've had a 'feral' honey bee hive for over 10 years. It was installed as a possum box, but bees took it over after a year. I've only ever been stung when I walk barefooted and tread on one. How do they do that? I quickly learnt not to rub the sting but use my thumb nail to scrape as much of the sting away as possible. They drink from a fish pond near their hive. If I come near, I can have dozens swarming around me. A little scary, but never stung in that situation. Maybe I've been lucky to have low aggression queens.

Albert

It is also known as "Melissophobia".

Susan Lake-Harris

Australia has many species of stingless bees. They make beautiful conical hives and produce honey, but in small quantities. Thank goodness for all bees and their role in pollination.