# Wasp, bees won't sting if you hold your breath **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 28, 2011, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120 "2011-06-28T09:07:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/21 "2011-06-28T17:40:16Z")
There may be some truth as some insects detect exhaled CO2 to perceive animals. That said I’ve seen a primitive way of collecting honey where the person would blow into the hive to calm them. Yes he got stung but only 3 times or so while extracting a honeycomb. ---
**Author:** ![EdwardLost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bbe5ce/32.png) [@EdwardLost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardLost)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/22 "2011-06-28T19:33:37Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > That said I’ve seen a primitive way of collecting honey where the person would blow into the hive to calm them. Was that person, by chance, smoking? ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/23 "2011-06-28T19:45:21Z")
> [@Blake](#): > > [Heh](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nJLGJOxc1is/TPViZLaey5I/AAAAAAAAADY/9vl5ESU0thM/s1600/Calyptra+thalictri.jpeg) That really needs the two click rule dude - \ ---
**Author:** ![xoferew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/e9a140/32.png) [@xoferew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xoferew)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/24 "2011-06-28T20:12:34Z")
> [@Blake](#): > > [Heh](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nJLGJOxc1is/TPViZLaey5I/AAAAAAAAADY/9vl5ESU0thM/s1600/Calyptra+thalictri.jpeg) Oh that’s just great. ☹ Don’t bees seek out sweet-smelling flowers to gather nectar from? Isn’t that why they smell sweet in the first place? So maybe I can breathe coffee breath or minty toothpaste breath around bees, but not Twix breath? ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/25 "2011-06-28T20:37:01Z")
> [@xoferew](#): > > …As someone who hates and fears and loathes moths… (I hate butterflies, too.) I have little to add to this discussion except: wow. Just when you think you’ve seen every variant that humanity has to offer. First time I’ve ever heard someone express this sentiment. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/26 "2011-06-28T20:39:39Z")
> [@Blake](#): > > They don’t. Even with a bees and desist order? ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/27 "2011-06-28T20:44:38Z")
> [@Contrapuntal](#): > > Even with a bees and desist order? Wasp yourself, they’ll put you in a yellow jacket. ---
**Author:** ![xoferew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/e9a140/32.png) [@xoferew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xoferew)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/28 "2011-06-28T20:47:04Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > I have little to add to this discussion except: wow. Just when you think you’ve seen every variant that humanity has to offer. First time I’ve ever heard someone express this sentiment. Because 1. Butterflies are REALLY HUGE insects. and 2. Those giant, super-thin wings. I have a mild revulsion for anything that takes up a relatively large amount of space while made of a small amount of material. Daddy long legs are the worst, and also weather balloons. Creeps me out for some reason. ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/29 "2011-06-28T20:50:27Z")
> [@njtt](#): > > The standing still probably helps, however, and holding your breath probably does indeed make you more likely to keep still. If you have already made them made, standing still just makes you an easier target. ---
**Author:** ![xoferew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/e9a140/32.png) [@xoferew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xoferew)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/30 "2011-06-28T20:55:33Z")
> [@mlees](#): > > If you have already made them made, standing still just makes you an easier target. Especially when everyone else at the school/camp/picnic is still flailing and screaming. ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/31 "2011-06-28T20:57:26Z")
> [@mlees](#): > > If you have already made them made, standing still just makes you an easier target. \*mad :smack: Made them mad. ---
**Author:** ![Alka\_Seltzer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@Alka\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alka_Seltzer)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2011, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/32 "2011-06-28T21:17:45Z")
> [@xoferew](#): > > I have a mild revulsion for anything that takes up a relatively large amount of space while made of a small amount of material. I thought of telling you that the universe is mostly empty space, but decided that would be cruel. > [@xoferew](#): > > Daddy long legs are the worst, and also weather balloons. Actually, I’m with you on the daddy long legs. Weather balloons look odd because they expand up to a hundred times their original volume as they reach altitude, due to the lower pressure. ---
**Author:** ![Animastryfe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8797f3/32.png) [@Animastryfe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Animastryfe)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2011, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/33 "2011-06-29T00:33:11Z")
Do barbed stingers do more damage than smooth stingers? ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2011, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/34 "2011-06-29T02:10:16Z")
> [@mac\_bolan00](#): > > i meant sting. most die when they do but some wasps have reusable stings (those fierce wasps in japan that attack regular beehives.) Some wasps? I thought all wasps have smooth, reusable stingers. ---
**Author:** ![Blublast3\_live.com](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b782af/32.png) [@Blublast3\_live.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blublast3_live.com)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2011, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/35 "2011-06-29T03:24:24Z")
My moms bf walkin to work totally unaware of the bees swarming in his path, walked into them. He figured if he ran theyd chase him so he jus held his breath and walked away without a single sting. his coworker was shocked as hell and had his phone already out to call 911. Bees wont sting you if you hold your breath, walk slowly, and dont swat. do ALL of these things though since any of them can trigger a attack. Peopld say “Oh i havent been stung by bees in decades”, probably cuz YOUR NEVER AROUND THEM!! so quit yappin at the mouth lol. Seriously tho do those things and you may not be stung, remember any outside force can still make them go crazy, even if you didnt provoke it. A scared bee is just as bad as an angry one. All of this applies to swarms as well. ---
**Author:** ![Blublast3\_live.com](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b782af/32.png) [@Blublast3\_live.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blublast3_live.com)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2011, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/36 "2011-06-29T03:46:34Z")
Oops. This doesnt apply to swarms attacking you. If more than a few are after you, you better run. If you can swim hop into a lake for bout 30secs and then come up for a breath. If theres no water you better find your butt into a building, dont go for cars unless you can start it and drive off. A few may get if but its better than hundreds. Bees are no threat once they stung you, they soon die. yes, all bees! Not wasp or yellurs. Oh and for killer bees, jus dont ever find yourself by them. Those human made hybrids arent such a happy group and will attack and chase you up for a few blocks or more for the hell of it ---
**Author:** ![MythozDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/74df32/32.png) [@MythozDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MythozDog)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/37 "2015-10-15T01:41:11Z")
Qualifying the Holding Breath Bee Sting Theory. I can tell you for a fact that it worked for my Grandfather. His only reservations were to Bumble Bees, Hornets and Red Wasps. He said their stinger muscles were stronger and they could actually force their way into the pores. As kids were were entertained on many occasions to witness his demonstrations where he would pick up a wasp and lay it on his forearm only to see the wasp stinger moving around on his skin looking for a pore. They could not penetrate his skin. For those of you that are skeptical you can prove it to yourself without much pain. The small sweatbees that are about the size of a matchhead. Hold your breath…lightly catch one and place it on your wrist under your finger as it buzzes…take a breath…and it will tag you. It doesn’t really hurt much, a pin prick or mosquito bite but it proves the basis of the theory. Good stuff to know. Something else that is little known but interesting is that black wasps with yellow faces have a high percentage of being drones. Drones don’t have stingers…but pinchers. They can’t sting you. You can fool your friends by picking them up and playing with them. I used to find them and keep them as pets to fool girls…women and others that didn’t know they wouldn’t sting. ( Not to worry…their pinchers can’t grap human skin… too weak. ) One other thing…old skin of older people is tougher than young, more delicate skin. It may be that the pores of a childs skin is easier to penetrate by the bees stinger muscles than an adult? This information though helps in being less afraid of wasps. ---
**Author:** ![jimbuff314](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@jimbuff314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimbuff314)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/38 "2015-10-15T01:59:44Z")
I am _not_ going to dig up any cites but I promise you two things. 1. Holding your breath does not “close pores”. “Closing pores” is a nonsensical phrase. 2. Stinging insects are not dependent on “pores” to sting you. Welcome to the Straight Dope Message Board, where anecdotal evidence is treated with the respect it deserves. ---
**Author:** ![Mikeisskeptical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@Mikeisskeptical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikeisskeptical)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/39 "2015-10-15T12:22:03Z")
> [@Blake](#): > > No, they do not. The \*Apis \*bees are exceptional in that stinging is usually fatal. But I would guess that honey bees are far more numerous than other species due to domestication. So it still could be true that most individual bees die when they sting if not most species. Unless I my guess is wrong. I haven’t done any research or anything. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2015, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120/40 "2015-10-15T12:49:33Z")
> [@DrFidelius](#): > > I was attacked by an entire hive of yellow jackets when I was five. Couldn’t walk for a week, and I am told that I am now likely to die if such a thing is repeated. Haven’t been stung by a bee or a wasp in over forty years. Why and who is telling you that you would die from another incident? I would think that you would now have more of an immunity/tolerance of wasp venom than most people not less. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-bees-wont-sting-if-you-hold-your-breath/587120.md?page=3)