lots of people will tell you not to use the old equipment, some people love using used equipment. you can search on here for the reasons not to use it. i got stung around 15 times in one night last year moving hives, other than that i don't think i got stung at all last year. my kids stepped on a few in the yard. as to worrying about a reaction, make sure someone is with you not to far from town and get stung on purpose. justin