Bee Safety and Local Rules

This page has no affiliate or shopping links. Facts checked Oct 26, 2026 against the sources linked on the page. Rules and products change, so check the current version.

Our safety policy

We're not doctors or lawyers. Nothing here is medical or legal advice.
Pages about stings and about local rules have no shopping links. We'd rather you read them without a sales pitch next to them.
Where a source is written for one state or region, we say so. Check your own.
When we can't support a claim with a source we read, we leave it out.

Before you keep bees

Stings

Mayo Clinic says a severe allergic reaction to a sting is an emergency, and that a past severe reaction raises the chance of another. Talk to a healthcare professional before you buy bees.

Local rules

Some states require registration. Florida does, and you can be charged with a crime for violating its bee law. Check your state apiary office, your city or county and any HOA.

Extension guides also say to wear a veil at all times when working bees. See bee suit or jacket?

Before you plant for bees

The Xerces Society says nurseries may sell plants that have been treated with pesticides, and suggests asking the nursery what it does. See bee-friendly plants by season.

Source: Xerces Society, Bee-safe nursery plants. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Before you give honey or candles

Honey and babies. Poison Control says not to feed honey, or products containing honey, to infants under 12 months old. See honey gift ideas.
Candles. The NFPA says to keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn and to blow them out before you leave the room or go to bed. See beeswax candles: what to check.

Source: Poison Control, Botulism and honey; NFPA, Candles. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Emergencies

For a severe reaction to a sting, call 911. Mayo Clinic says that if you have a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, use it first and then call 911.

Source: Mayo Clinic, Bee stings: Symptoms and causes. Checked Oct 26, 2026.