Enormous Stinger Removed From New York State Man’s Face

It is absolutely the best time of year here in New York State! Have you been feeling that beautiful cooler air drifting in and enjoying those incredible sunsets?

The golden glow of the setting sun falling across the goldenrod that has recently bloomed, combined with the smell of freshly cut grass, is one of the best parts of this time of year. But along with this beautiful season come a few things you might want to watch out for!

The kids are back in school, and football season is finally here!

Related: Did New York State Ban The Use of Wood Stoves?

Here in Western New York, we are all in on the Buffalo Bills, and so far, things are looking pretty good as they begin their inaugural season at the new Highmark Stadium. The buzz surrounding the Buffalo Bills and the entire Western New York area is intense and a lot of fun to be a part of.

A Perfect Fall Weekend in Western New York

This past weekend was the first weekend after our kids went back to school. Although it was only a three-day school week, they were definitely looking forward to the weekend.

We decided to spend some time outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.

I was taking my daughter for a short walk when we decided to pick up a few things along the way, including leaves, sticks, and pinecones for her to collect in her little wagon.

Then she asked me to pick up a pinecone.

When I flipped the pinecone over, it was loaded with bees!

One of them attacked me right in the face!

I flopped and flailed around in the middle of the yard as my daughter wondered what the heck was going on with Dad. I told her, “I just got stung in the face! I need to run inside and get some ice!”

Getting Stung in the Face by a Bee

Thank goodness it was only one bee that stung me in the face, but it sure felt like someone had walked up and punched me right on the cheekbone.

In fact, even a few days later, the spot still itches like crazy.

So what was the solution after the stinger got stuck in my face?

My wife got home from work shortly after I was stung, thankfully, and she suggested we use a credit card to scrape out the stinger.

After she removed it, I have to say, it was one of the largest stingers I have ever seen!

Photo by: Clay Moden

Not that I’m any expert on what stinger sizes are supposed to look like, but this one sure felt like a dagger in my cheek.

And in my opinion, it looked like one too!

Thankfully, There Was No Allergic Reaction

Thank goodness I didn’t have an allergic reaction.

In the past, when I’ve been stung multiple times by yellow jackets, I have swelled up pretty quickly. It was also one of those moments when I wondered: What if someone had caught that on their phone? Would the video have gone viral?

Here I am, flopping and flailing around because of a bee sting while my daughter is trying to enjoy a nice day with Daddy, picking up collectibles from around the yard.

Here’s to enjoying the great fall weather in New York State. Hopefully, the bees hanging around our goldenrod can enjoy the beautiful weather too, and just keep to themselves and away from my face!