Bees and Wasps

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  • There are over 55,000 bees/wasps species worldwide with most being only mildly venomous
  • Poison Centers in the US receive more than 15,000 calls involving bees/wasps every year  
  • More deaths result from allergic reactions to bee/wasp stings than all other bites & stings deaths combined
  • Since deaths from allergic reactions are not directly attributed to the animal/insect itself, there were no deaths reported from bee/wasp stings in the US in recent years

The Bite

One of the few differences between honey bees and other bees and wasps is the stinger.

  • Honey bees and Africanized bees (killer bees)
    • Stinger is barbed, which prevents them from extracting it from the victim
    • After they sting and lose their stinger, the bee will usually die within hours
    • The stinger must be removed by scraping the site with a straight edged object like a credit card-never pinch the top of stinger as it will inject additional venom into the victim
  • Wasps and other bees
    • Stinger is smooth and is easily extracted from the victim when it stings
    • Can sting repeatedly if threatened or aggravated
  • Bee/wasp venom is very similar from species to species and is considered to be only mildly toxic (unless multiple stings are involved)
  • Signs and Symptoms include:
    • Pain - Localized (which usually subsides in a couple of hours)
    • Redness
    • Swelling
    • Itching (which usually subsides in a couple of hours)
  • The venom is immunogenic so it can cause allergic reactions to include Anaphylaxis usually within 15 min.  Signs of Anaphylaxis include:
    • Itchy rash
    • Swelling of the mouth and throat
    • Chest and Throat tightness
    • Anxiety
    • Low blood pressure
    • Shock

First Aid

  • Keep the victim well hydrated (give plenty of liquids for the first 8 hrs.)
  • Have a Tetanus shot update if it has been more than 10 years since your last one.
  • Remove stinger by scraping a sharp edged object along the skin
  • Wash area with soap and water
  • Keep person well hydrated
  • Apply ice to relieve swelling and pain
  • Have a Tetanus shot update if more than 10 years
  • Call poison center at 1-800-222-1222 for instructions - allergic reactions may occur
  • Do not:
    • Pinch the stinger, cut the area or attempt to suck out the poison
    • Try to capture the bee or wasp
    • Apply any substance/chemical to the affected area without consulting the poison center first
  • Hospitalization is not usually required unless patient is having an allergic reaction
  • If patient is having an allergic reaction - CALL-911 immediately!