New research shows bees are a the biggest threat to our public health.

An Australian-first analysis of 13 years of data on bites and stings from venomous creatures reveals bees and other insects and more of a risk than snakes, spiders, or jellyfish.

In that time, for instance, the same number of people have died from bee stings as from snake bites.

Dr Ronelle Welton from the Venom Unit at Melbourne University said the results were surprising.

‘It turns out that bees are the highest reason for people being admitted to hospital,’ she said.

Dr Welton told Ross and John bee stings are only dangerous to those who are allergic to them, as opposed to snakes, whose venom is harmful to everyone.

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