Bee and wasp stings can cause local reactions like pain, swelling and itching at the sting site. For some people, multiple stings or an allergic reaction can be life-threatening. Honeybees leave their stinger behind when they sting while wasps have a smooth stinger that can sting repeatedly. Symptoms of a local reaction include pain, swelling and hives near the sting that last up to a week. Removing the stinger, applying ice, taking antihistamines and pain relievers can help treat reactions. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding startling insects can help prevent stings.

2. • Bee and wasp stings are common and painful. In most
cases, they are not severe, but some people can have a
life-threatening reaction.
• The most common sting is from honeybees, but some
wasps and other insects can also sting. In Canada, yellow
jacket wasps produce the insect sting that is most likely
to cause an allergic reaction.
• The bee’s stinging apparatus consists of a sac of
venom attached to a barbed stinger. The wasp’s is
similar but with a smooth stinger. When a bee or wasp
stings, the sac contracts, pumping venom into the tissue.
• The information in the following slide refers to bee
stings, but it applies to stings from both bees and wasps.
The symptoms, treatments, and dangers are the same.

3. • A bee sting usually causes a sharp pain and a puncture wound or laceration
in the skin.
• The venom in a bee or wasp sting induces a local toxic reaction at the site of
the attack.
• A typical local reaction to a bee or wasp sting produces the
following symptoms:
• instant pain at the site of the sting that is sharp, burning, and usually lasts a
few seconds
• a swollen, discolored mark that can be itchy, burning, and painful
• swollen hives or welts that peak about 48 hours after the sting and last for
up to 1 week
• Some stings may produce the following symptoms, which doctors call a large
local reaction:
• extreme discoloration and swelling that affects an area of the skin up to 10
centimeters (cm) across
• swelling of an entire extremity or limb, which may last a few days
• in the case of multiple stings, there may be a rash, fever, nausea,
and headaches
• rarely, swelling and pain in the joints, which tend to develop after several
days
• Multiple stings can be fatal for children.
• In some people, components of the venom can cause an allergic reaction.
• Someone who knows that they are allergic to stings may carry an
epinephrine injector. A bystander can help the person administer this injection
if necessary.

4. Bees, wasps and hornets inject venom
through their "stingers“. Snakes inject
venom through fangs.
• When a honeybee stings a person, it cannot
pull the barbed stinger back out. It leaves
behind not only the stinger, but also part of its
abdomen and digestive tract, plus muscles and
nerves.
• YUK!

5. Medical Aid • Remove any stingers right away. They have venom
and will release it for several seconds after it goes in.
Some experts recommend scraping out the stinger with
a credit card.
• Applying ice to the site may provide some mild relief.
Apply ice for 20 minutes once every hour as needed.
Wrap the ice in a towel or keep a cloth between the ice
and skin to keep from freezing the skin.
• Taking an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine
(Benadryl) or a nonsedating one such
as loratadine (Claritin) will help with itching and
swelling.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)for
pain relief as needed.
• Wash the sting site with soap and water.
Placing hydrocortisone cream on the sting can help
relieve redness, itching, and swelling.
• If it's been more than 10 years since your
last tetanus booster, get a booster within the next few
days.
• Most insect stings require no additional medical
care.

8. • Depending on the species, insects feed on almost any source of
energy such as plants, wood, meat, blood, and other insects. For
example, Vespa mandarinia, commonly known as the Asian giant
hornet or sparrow wasp, will seek both plants and other insects
such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders as a source of food. (Note:
this hornet was referred to as “murder hornet” in a newspaper
article in 2020 because this insect will attack other insect colonies
such as yellow jackets, paper wasps, and honeybees as a source of
protein).
• Nesting spots are often near these food sources. While each
species may have a preferred type of nesting spot, in general,
nesting places can be anywhere and include:
• Inside hollow trees, or in walls, attic, etc. (the entrance is usually
a very small hole).
• Nests that hang from branches or overhangs such as eaves of a
building.
• In shrubs, bushes, hedges, or on tree limbs.
• In rubber tires, crates, boxes, abandoned vehicles, etc.
• Under shrubs, logs, piles of rocks and other protected sites.
• Inside rodent burrows or other holes in the ground.
• Note that some insects can chew through ceilings and walls to
get into other rooms, while others can bore into wood or dirt to
make tunnels or enlarge the hole for their nest.
Stinging insect Avoidance

9. • The best way to prevent stings is to avoid the insects. Leave the area, if
possible. If there is a travelling swarm, they will likely leave within a few
days.
• Note that insect repellent ("bug spray") does not affect these stinging
insects. Avoidance and awareness are the keys to not being stung.
• Before working at a site:
• Look around. Check to see if there are any visible signs of activity or a
hive or nest. If you see several insects flying around, check to see if they
are entering/exiting from the same hole or place. If so, it is likely a nest or
a source of food.
• Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, and closed-toed boots or shoes. If
you cannot avoid working near bees or wasps, wear a bee-keepers style
hat with netting to cover your head, neck and shoulders. Tape your pant
legs to your boots/socks, and your sleeves to your gloves. You may also
wish to wear an extra layer of clothing since wasp stings are long enough
to reach through one layer of clothing.
• Power tools such as lawnmowers, weed eaters and chainsaws will
aggravate the insects. When using these tools, be aware that the tools
may provoke the insects or in some cases, cause the insects to swarm.

10. • If you find you are working near stinging insects, here are some tips.
• Most bees and wasps will not sting unless they are startled or attacked. Do not swat at them or make fast
movements. The best option is to keep your distance, move away from the nest, or let the insects fly away on their
own. If you must, walk away slowly, or gently "blow" them away. The only exception is if you have disturbed a nest
and hear "wild" buzzing. Protect your face with your hands and run from the area immediately. Seek shelter in a
closed vehicle or building, entering in a way to keep the insects outside.
• Wear light-colored clothes such as khakis, beige, or blue. Avoid brightly colored, patterned, or black clothing.
• Tie back long hair to avoid bees or wasps from getting entangled in your hair.
• Be careful when shaking out clothing or towels as the insects could be inside the folds.
• If you find a bee or wasp in your car, stop and leave the windows open. You may also take a thick cloth and cover
the insect before it gets frightened. Carefully, let the insect back outside through an open window.
• What not to do:
• Do not wear perfumes, colognes, scented soaps, or powders as they contain fragrances that are attractive.
• Do not go barefoot or wear sandals, especially in areas where there is clover or other flowering plants that
attract bees.