i used to be completely frightened of bees. my primary fears as a child were bees and their ilk, large dogs, and cops. the fear of cops and dogs was easy to get over; in both cases, the creatures are totally predictable once you figure out their current disposition, which is usually pathetically obvious after a few seconds of observation. (i'm talking about garden variety, local-type cops and dogs. i live in the US. feds and their canine companions, or interpol types, may be different.)
but the bees are trickier. while often predictable, their behavior isn't so easily observed. and, when you can predict them, you're usually in for the worst. eg, if you step on a bee with bare feet, you're virtually guaranteed to get stung. strangely enough, this is how i got over my fear of bees. one summer, i stomped on so many yellowjackets (usually, inadvertantly) with bare feet that i would react to a sting with feelings of extreme itchiness rather'n pain. the bees seem to sense this lack of fear, or their own inadequacy as terroristic insects, because they no longer haunt my beverages at bbq's.
still, being caught driving a car with a bee on board is enough to make anyone lose their cool. and, don't even get me started on greenhead flies or giant water beetles, aka "eastern toe-biters". goodness.
-rob
ps-if you truly want to frighten yourself, try to imagine what it would be like if the police were giant bees. you never know if he'll write the ticket, or sting you...or both.