Responsible thing to do - to sting or not to sting?

Go to an allergist.
They will do a scratch test for allergy.
My doctor used 3 serial dilutions of bee and 3 of wasp venom. ( plus some controls).
The reaction is measured by red swelling forming around the scratch after a set (short) period.

Bee and Wasp venom is not necessarily cross reactive in allergic cases, and many "bee" allergies are actually yellow jacket sensitivity (per the doctor's assistant).

I asked my doctor for a epipen scrip. I keep one at all times, just in case. Many people don't know they are allergic. And sometimes those who weren't, develop the allergy. BTW, it is not a simple "allergic" reaction you are concerned with, I am sure you know. Most everyone will itch, swell, turn red. It is the anaphylactic reaction you are concerned with. Typically, that is quickly indicated by a reaction to the sting in an area NOT where the sting was. So, if you were stung on the hand and you get a rash on your arm . . . that's a big clue.

Zbee said:

Hi folks, I have been told there is a potential for bee allergy in the gene pool, but nothing confirmed.

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Who told you that? A family member? Chances are, unless someone in your family suffered anaphalactic shock from a honeybee sting, no one in your family is any more likely to be allergic to bee stings than anyone else. Chances are that there is a misunderstanding about allergies and genetics and how both work.

Let Nature take its' course. That's what I would do. I wouldn't get the family together and sting each individual.

Keep a good supply of Benadryl close. If someone has a BAD allergic reaction then start with that on the way to hospital.
One good thing about getting stung....you learn it not really that bad and it doesnt last very long either. For most people.

sqkcrk said:

That's what I would do. I wouldn't get the family together and sting each individual.

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Killjoy.That sounds like the perfect entertainment for the next family reunion.

another thing that i have read is that if you get stung the bee venom on your skin can cause a reaction to the person allergic.also the dried bee venom on your bee suit so i have read it better for the people in your house hold to get stung every one and a while

if you have kids then get the Epi Jr too. talk to their doctor about how to recognize a major reaction so you don't give them Epi for something harmless.
Epi is also not the end of it.. if you give epi they need to see a dr soon after too for follow up

benedryl liquid works faster than tablets.

Here is an older thread with interesting information.
http://www.beesource.com/forums/sho...ting-allergy-among-beekeeper-s-family-members