Top Five Reasons I Got Stung

1. The dead bee I picked up wasn’t dead.
2. I bothered the bees before a thunderstorm.
3. My swarm-catching technique could use some refining.
4. I inadvertently squished a bee while working in the hive.
5. I deigned to get too close to the queen.

The sting doesn’t hurt so much as it surprises. And then it itches. For days. To the point of insanity. The sting and its aftermath remind you to be gentle, careful, methodical, considerate, slow-going, and—always, always—respectful of the bees.