Bill T wrote

> I know a beekeeper whose spouse has become allergic to bee
> stings- or has more serious reactions to stings than before he
> started beekeeping. I have been told that this is not unusual if
> you change your bee suit in the house.

In 1995 when attending the Canadian Honey Council meeting at Edmonton, I spoke with the wife of a prominent beekeeper from Alberta.  She told me exactly the same as Bill posted.  She had been told this by a specialist so it was not just supposition by someone so I believe it can happen in the way Bill described.

Apparently she had been told to make sure she was stung at least once a week to get the full dose and not just the small dose she was being subjected to.  If would urge anyone who might have this allergic to discuss it with their specialist before doing the same thing.  However, it could be worthwhile mentioning in conversation.

Trevor Weatherhead
AUSTRALIA