Bee and wasp stings
Most of us have had a wasp or bee sting at some time in our life.
A bee will only sting if it, or the hive is threatened. Unfortunately there is little you can do to treat a bee sting other than ensuring the stinger is removed and a ice pack applied. Putting on lotions, or other remedies will only provide topical relief as you cannot neutralize the poison that is already inside.
As you can see by the photo comparing a bee stinger with a needle the stinger is very sharp and very tiny. The stinger is barbed and will work its way into the skin injecting the venom at the same time, however that is the end of the bee as the stinger cannot be extracted and the bee will rip its stinger out of its abdomen.
The wasp stinger is not barbed and it can sting multiple times. The second photo is of a wasp stinger and the third is what the poor bee leaves behind.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Tawa RSA: Mighty Christmas raffle
Tawa RSA: Mighty Christmas raffle $5 per ticket. 4 major prizes, 4 minor prizes and a bonus prize. Purchase at the club or by emailing tawa.rsa@xtra.co.nz. Drawn on 13 December
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.