How to wasps sting. Wasp Stings: Home Treatment, Medical Care, and Prevention Guide

14.07.202312.06.2023 by alexxlab

How do wasps sting and inject venom. What are the common symptoms of a wasp sting. When should you seek medical attention for a wasp sting. What are effective home remedies for treating wasp stings. How can you prevent wasp stings in the future.

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Understanding Wasp Stings: Mechanism and Venom

Wasps, unlike bees, can sting multiple times without losing their stinger. During a sting, they inject venom into the victim’s skin. This venom is toxic and can cause various reactions in humans, ranging from mild discomfort to severe allergic responses.

Do all wasp species sting humans? While there are many species of wasps, yellow jackets and hornets are the most common culprits for stinging humans. Most wasps only sting when they feel threatened or their nest is disturbed.

The Anatomy of a Wasp Sting

A wasp’s stinger is located at the end of its abdomen. When a wasp stings, it uses this sharp, needle-like structure to pierce the skin and deliver venom. The venom contains various compounds that can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Wasp Stings

Wasp stings typically cause immediate pain and discomfort. However, the severity of symptoms can vary depending on individual reactions and the number of stings received. Common symptoms include:

Sharp, burning pain at the sting site
Redness and swelling around the affected area
Itching that may intensify hours after the sting
Warmth or heat at the sting site
Possible hives or rash in case of an allergic reaction

Is it normal for the sting site to have a large reaction? In many cases, a significant local reaction is common and not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you experience symptoms beyond the immediate area of the sting, it’s important to monitor the situation closely.

Effective Home Remedies for Wasp Stings

Most wasp stings can be treated effectively at home. Here are some proven remedies to alleviate pain and reduce swelling:

Clean the affected area with warm water and soap to remove any remaining venom and prevent infection.
Apply a cold pack wrapped in a thin cloth to the sting site for 30-60 minutes, alternating 10 minutes on and off.
Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling.
Use an antihistamine, corticosteroid, or calamine cream to relieve itching and reduce inflammation.

How long does the pain from a wasp sting typically last? With proper home treatment, the pain and discomfort from a wasp sting usually subside within 24 hours. If symptoms persist or worsen after this period, it may indicate a more serious reaction or potential infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Wasp Stings

While most wasp stings can be managed at home, certain situations require immediate medical care. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest
Swelling of the throat or tongue
Dizziness or fainting
Nausea or vomiting
Hives or rash spreading beyond the sting site
Persistent pain and swelling lasting more than a few days

These symptoms may indicate a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or infection, both of which require prompt medical intervention.

Stings in Sensitive Areas

Are stings in certain body parts more dangerous? Wasp stings in the mouth, nose, or throat area are particularly concerning as they can cause swelling that may obstruct airways. If stung in these areas, seek immediate medical care, even if you don’t have a known allergy.

Allergic Reactions to Wasp Stings: Recognizing and Responding

For some individuals, wasp stings can trigger severe allergic reactions. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include:

Rapid swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Dizziness or loss of consciousness
Abdominal pain or vomiting
Rapid pulse or drop in blood pressure

If you or someone near you experiences these symptoms after a wasp sting, call emergency services immediately. Individuals with known wasp allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) at all times and use it as directed in case of a severe reaction.

Diagnosing Wasp Allergies

How can you determine if you’re allergic to wasp stings? If you’ve had a concerning reaction to a wasp sting, consult an allergist. They can perform tests to confirm an allergy and provide guidance on management and prevention strategies.

Preventing Wasp Stings: Practical Tips and Strategies

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of wasp stings, there are several measures you can take to reduce your chances of being stung:

Avoid wearing bright colors or floral patterns that may attract wasps
Keep food and drinks covered when outdoors, especially sweet items
Avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented products when outside
Be cautious when gardening or working near areas where wasps may nest
Seal garbage cans tightly and keep areas clean to avoid attracting wasps
If you encounter a wasp, remain calm and move away slowly

Can wasp nests be safely removed? If you discover a wasp nest on your property, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service for safe removal. Attempting to remove a nest yourself can be dangerous and may lead to multiple stings.

Wasp Stings in Children: Special Considerations

Children are often more vulnerable to wasp stings due to their smaller size and tendency to play outdoors. When dealing with wasp stings in children, keep these points in mind:

Children may have more severe reactions to stings than adults
Teach children to avoid provoking or swatting at wasps
Ensure children wear shoes when playing outside to prevent stepping on wasps
Be extra vigilant for signs of allergic reactions in children

How should you treat a wasp sting in a child? The treatment principles are similar to those for adults, but use age-appropriate dosages for any medications. Always consult a pediatrician if you’re unsure about treatment or if symptoms worsen.

Educating Children About Wasp Safety

Teaching children about wasp behavior and safety can help prevent stings. Explain that wasps are beneficial insects that help control pests but should be respected and observed from a distance. Encourage children to alert an adult if they spot a wasp nest rather than investigating it themselves.

Differentiating Wasp Stings from Other Insect Bites

Wasp stings can sometimes be confused with other insect bites or stings. Here’s how to differentiate them:

Wasp stings typically cause immediate, sharp pain
The sting site usually develops a raised, red welt
Unlike bee stings, there’s no stinger left behind
Wasp stings often cause more intense pain than most other insect bites

Why is it important to identify the type of sting or bite? Proper identification can guide treatment and help determine the risk of allergic reactions. If you’re unsure about what stung or bit you, try to safely capture the insect for identification or take a clear photo if possible.

Common Misidentifications

Wasp stings are often confused with bee stings or hornet stings. While the initial treatment is similar, knowing the difference is crucial for future prevention and understanding potential allergic reactions. Hornets, for instance, are a type of wasp but tend to be larger and their stings can be more painful.

The Role of Wasps in Ecosystems

Despite their painful stings, wasps play important roles in many ecosystems. Understanding their ecological significance can foster a more balanced perspective on these insects:

Wasps are effective pollinators for many plant species
They help control populations of pest insects in gardens and agricultural settings
Some wasp species are parasitoids, laying eggs in other insects and helping to regulate their numbers
Wasps contribute to biodiversity and are part of complex food webs

How can we balance the benefits of wasps with the need for human safety? Promoting coexistence through education and proper management techniques is key. This includes using eco-friendly pest control methods and creating wasp-friendly areas away from human activity zones.

Wasp Species Diversity

There are thousands of wasp species worldwide, with varying behaviors and ecological roles. While some species, like yellow jackets and hornets, are known for their aggressive defense of nests, many other wasp species are solitary and less likely to sting humans. Understanding this diversity can help in developing more targeted and effective strategies for managing wasp populations in human-inhabited areas.

Innovations in Wasp Sting Treatment and Prevention

Research into wasp venom and sting prevention continues to advance. Some recent developments and areas of study include:

Development of more effective antivenoms for severe allergic reactions
Exploration of wasp venom components for potential medical applications
Creation of improved personal protective equipment for those at high risk of wasp stings
Research into pheromone-based wasp deterrents

What future developments might we see in wasp sting prevention and treatment? Potential advancements could include more targeted immunotherapies for wasp allergies, novel repellent technologies, and improved diagnostic tools for identifying wasp venom allergies.

The Promise of Venom Research

While wasp venom can be harmful to humans, it also holds potential for medical applications. Scientists are studying various components of wasp venom for their possible use in treating conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and even certain types of cancer. This research highlights the complex nature of these insects and their venom, potentially leading to a reevaluation of our relationship with wasps.

How to Treat at Home and When to See a Doctor

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Remedies and Treatments for Wasp Sting
When to See a Doctor
Emergency Care

Wasp stings are a common, yet painful problem. There are many species of wasp, the most common being yellow jackets and hornets. Similarly, there are many reasons why a wasp may sting you. However, most wasps only sting when they or their nest are disturbed, or when they have been irritated by your presence.

Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times because they don’t lose their stinger with their sting. They will also inject a venom into your skin with their sting.

Most wasp stings can be incredibly painful, especially if they surprise you. But after the initial sting, they mostly cause only minor discomfort, which can be treated at home. Common wasp sting symptoms include pain in the sting area, swelling and redness that extends out of the sting site, itching, heat at the site of sting, and potentially hives if your body has a reaction to the sting.

If you have been stung by a wasp, it is common for the site to have a large reaction. That does not usually indicate a cause for concern. Only if you have been stung in the mouth, nose, or throat, should you seek medical attention.

Luckily, there are many home remedies and treatments that can be done to alleviate the pain of a wasp sting. Below you will find methods to treat a wasp sting at home to provide quick relief:

Wash The Area

First, wash the affected area with warm soap and water. Cleaning the site can remove any bacteria or venom the wasp might have carried. This will also help wash out some of the venom left behind by the wasp.

Apply Cold Pack

Wrap a thin cloth around an ice or cold pack. Apply this pack to the sting site for 30 to 60 minutes, in intervals of 10 minutes on and off. This will help reduce the swelling and pain of the wasp sting.

Take Anti-inflammatory Medication

To reduce the swelling, take an anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen. This will help lessen pain from the wasp sting and also reduce swelling at the sting site.

Apply Antihistamine

Another symptom of wasp stings is itchiness at the injection site and surrounding area, depending on how far the sting has spread. To relieve the itchiness, which can increase for hours after the initial sting, apply an antihistamine, corticosteroid, or calamine cream to the entire red and swollen area. This will also help alleviate the pain of the wasp sting.

Wasp stings can be painful, but, when treated at home, the pain usually lasts no more than a day. If you are experiencing persistent pain and continuous swelling over the course of a couple of days, you may have an infection.

If you have an infection or are experiencing an allergic reaction to wasp stings, they can cause more harm. If you start experiencing the symptoms below, you may have a life-threatening allergic reaction:

Tightness in the throat or chest
Tickling in your throat
Uncontrolled coughing
Wheezing in the chest
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or fainting
Profuse sweating
Anxiety
Hives over large parts of your body

Once you have received appropriate treatment, consult with your doctor to see if you have a wasp or bee allergy. Then going forward, talk about preventative actions to take against wasp stings.

Call 911 immediately if you were stung in the mouth, nose, or throat area, or if any serious symptoms occur. Wasp stings in those areas could cause throat swelling and cause difficulty breathing.

Top Picks

Wasp sting Information | Mount Sinai

This article describes the effects of a wasp sting.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage a sting. If you or someone you are with is stung, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Wasps are not known to carry human diseases, but allergic reactions to their sting can be fatal. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. )

Poisonous Ingredient

Wasp venom is toxic. It is injected into you when you are stung.

Where Found

Wasps carry this venom. Some people are allergic to the venom and have a serious reaction if they are stung. Most people do not need emergency medical treatment if they are stung.

Symptoms

Below are symptoms of a wasp sting in different parts of the body.

EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT

Swelling of throat, lips, tongue, and mouth *

HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS

Rapid heart rate
Severe decrease in blood pressure
Collapse (shock) *

LUNGS

Difficulty breathing *

SKIN

Hives *
Itching
Swelling and pain at site of sting

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting

Note: The symptoms marked with an asterisk (*) are from an allergic reaction to the venom, not from the venom itself.

Home Care

For severe reactions:

Call 911 if the person has an allergic reaction (severe swelling or difficulty breathing). You may need to go to the hospital if the reaction is severe.

If you have an allergy to wasp, bee, hornet or yellow jacket stings, always carry a bee sting kit and know how to use it. These kits require a prescription. They contain a medicine called epinephrine, which you should take right away if you get a wasp sting.

To treat the wasp sting:

Try to remove the stinger from the skin (if it is still present). To do this, carefully scrape the back of a knife or other thin, blunt, straight-edged object (like a credit card) across the stinger if the person can keep still and it is safe to do so. Or, you can pull out the stinger with tweezers or your fingers. If you do this, do not pinch the venom sac at the end of the stinger. If this sac is broken, more venom will be released.
Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water.
Place ice (wrapped in a clean cloth) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. If the person has problems with blood circulation, decrease the time that the ice is on the area to prevent possible skin damage.
Keep the affected area still, if possible, to prevent the venom from spreading.
Loosen clothing and remove rings and other tight jewelry.
Give the person diphenhydramine (Benadryl and other brands) by mouth if they can swallow. This antihistamine drug may be used alone for mild symptoms.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

Person’s age, weight, and condition
Type of insect
Time the sting occurred
Location of the sting

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

If an emergency room visit is necessary, the health care provider will measure and monitor the person’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated. The person may also receive:

Blood and urine tests.
Breathing support, including oxygen. Severe allergic reactions may require a tube down the throat and breathing machine (ventilator).
Chest x-ray.
ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing).
Intravenous fluids (IV, through a vein).
Medicines to treat symptoms.

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on how allergic they are to the insect sting and how quickly they receive treatment. The faster they get medical help, the better the chance for recovery. The chances of future total body reactions increase when local reactions become increasingly severe.

People who are not allergic to wasps, bees, hornets or yellow jackets usually get better within 1 week.

DO NOT put your hands or feet in nests or hives or other preferred hiding places. Avoid wearing bright colored clothing and perfumes or other fragrances if you will be in an area where wasps are known to congregate.

Elston DM. Bites and stings. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 85.

Erickson TB, Marquez A. Arthropod envenomation and parasitism. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing TA, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 41.

Otten EJ. Venomous animal injuries. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 55.

Last reviewed on: 7/20/2021

Reviewed by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Stinging insects – bees and wasps

Bees

Bees – flying insects of the suborder Stalk-bellied, related to wasps and ants.

The bee is one of the most useful insects living on our planet. The worker bee not only gives healing and unique products, such as honey, bee bread, royal jelly, propolis, wax, but also pollinates plants, contributing to the continuation of life on Earth. Bee venom is used in medicine.

Bees are social insects: they live in a large colony called a swarm.

The bee is equipped with a sting that serves to protect against insects that try to enter the hive, but sometimes the bees can sting a person. This happens, as a rule, by chance, if a person, without noticing the bee, crushed it, or if the bee got tangled in the hair. Sometimes a bee can get into the mouth along with a piece of something sweet. An attack by a swarm of bees on a person usually occurs near their home, so the bees try to save their nest and the inhabitants of the colony from the enemy. When attacked, a bee releases poison, to which nearby individuals react and join the attack.

The sting of the bee is equipped with denticles that are bent inward, which are firmly stuck in the skin of a person or animal, after which the bee will no longer be able to remove it. Together with the sting, the bee also leaves a poisonous gland, and part of the digestive organs.

The pain syndrome and severity of edema after a bee attack depend on the individual reaction of the body to the bee sting.

wasps

wasps Wasps are social, such as hornets, a swarm of which can reach several thousand individuals, and solitary, such as wasps – excavators or flower wasps.

Wasps, unlike bees, use not only their stingers but also their jaw apparatus to protect themselves from external factors that threaten their existence, biting the object of alarm. Their sting, unlike bees, does not have notches, therefore, when stinging, they do not cripple their sting. Like bees, nearby individuals react to the smell of poison and unite to attack the enemy.

Pain and severity of edema after a wasp attack depends on the type of wasp that stung you, as well as on the general reaction of the body to the poison.

What to do and how to behave so that insects do not sting you?

– No need to panic, wave your arms or make other sudden movements. If a bee or wasp flies around you or sits on your clothes or body, you should calmly let the bee examine you, because this does not mean that the insect is aggressive, it just smells an interesting smell on you – after reconnaissance, it will fly further.

– Arriving in nature, especially in areas where there are many flowers, do not walk barefoot. There may be stinging insects in the grass.

– Be careful when eating outdoors. Sweet foods and drinks attract bees and wasps. Before drinking sugary sparkling water, make sure there are no bees or wasps in it. Fruits also attract various insects, so be very careful. Do not leave fruit waste near your resting place.

– Try not to wear too loose clothes and let your hair down – the insect can get tangled in them and sting you.

– Try not to wear too bright clothes and do not use decorative cosmetics, especially perfumes and floral scented toilet water, so as not to attract the attention of insects.

– Keep your car windows closed. If a bee or a wasp flies into your car, stop and open all the windows, the insect will fly out on its own.

If you are stung by a bee or wasp, the first aid is:

– In removing the sting, if it remains at the site of the bite (only bees leave).

– Never scratch the affected area, as this will spread the venom to nearby tissues and increase the risk of infection.

– Apply ice to the bite site for 10 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.

– Apply antiallergic ointment. If it is not available, then a gruel prepared from simple baking soda and water should be applied to the bite site. You can moisten a cotton swab in a solution of baking soda and apply to the bite site to reduce itching (it is better to tie for 1-2 hours).

– You can use antihistamine ointments, they will help relieve symptoms

– If the swelling at the site of the bite is very pronounced, the area of redness is more than 10 cm, severe itching is noted, take a general antiallergic agent.

– If severe itching persists, swelling increases and the diameter of the redness increases, you should immediately consult a doctor.

– Avoid swarming bees and wasps. Do not have picnics or halts if you notice a nest of these insects nearby.

signs, first aid, consequences, prevention

There are 4 species of wasps and hornets in Russia. Their differences are not insignificant, there is no need for the layman to understand them – the poison of these insects acts in the same way and the consequences of the bite are identical. And they bite quite often – hundreds of victims turn to hospitals every year.

Signs of a wasp sting

A wasp sting can be recognized by three main signs:

very sharp pain occurs;
the bite site swells;
reddening of the skin appears around the bite site.

And for the majority of people, this is where it all ends, the discomfort disappears soon – usually after 2 – 3 hours. But in 1% of those affected, a severe allergic reaction occurs, which can be fatal. Symptoms of a dangerous condition look like this:

edema is very strong and increases rapidly;
rash and itching appear all over the body;
nausea and vomiting begin;
it becomes difficult to breathe;
the pulse is unstable – either too frequent or, conversely, slow;
dizziness appears.

The person may eventually lose consciousness.

Wasp Sting First Aid

First check the wound for a sting. In wasps, unlike bees, the sting does not have notches, it is smooth, so insects pull it out and can bite several times in a row. But sometimes it happens that the sting still remains. If it’s in the wound, take it out. Best with tweezers or something similar. But in no case do not try to squeeze it out like a pimple – this way even more poison will enter the body, or you can even bring an infection.

Further actions are as follows:

disinfect the wound with hydrogen peroxide or vodka;
wrap the bite site with a sterile bandage – the bandage will not allow the poison to spread throughout the body;
apply ice – it will relieve pain;
take any antihistamine;
drink plenty of water and go to the toilet more often – so the poison will quickly leave the body.

Consequences of a wasp sting

The worst thing that can happen is a severe allergy.

Wasp and hornet venoms are very strong allergens and often cause anaphylactic reactions that can develop from several seconds to several hours

Elena Timoshina Allergist-immunologist

swelling of the tongue and larynx, and not for long and suffocate.

Wasp sting prevention

A wasp can sting anywhere – both in nature and in the city. Particular care must be taken in the following cases:

when you throw garbage into a street container – there are often food there, and where there is food, there are wasps;
near grocery stores and street food outlets – wasps flock there, attracted by the smell of edibles;
at a picnic in nature – before putting a piece of food in your mouth, especially shish kebab or sweets, carefully inspect it;
in the garden, at the end of July – August, when fruits begin to ripen – wasps often feed on them;
in a country house – wasps often fly inside, again, attracted by the smell of delicious: hang mosquito nets on doors and windows;
in baths, sheds, attics – in these places wasps build nests;
when weeding grass and pruning shrubs – some species of wasps arrange nests on the shoots of plants and in the crown.