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Stinging Insects

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Poison Help Line

1-800-222-1222
Bites and stings happen. The stings and bites from most insects are more often a nuisance than a serious problem. Most insect bites and stings are mild and can be treated at home. However, a person’s response to a bite or sting depends on his or her sensitivity to the insect’s venom. In some people, stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps and hornets might cause a severe allergic reaction.

Common symptoms

Most bites and stings from insects will include minor symptoms that are localized to the bite or sting location and show improvement after a few days.

  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Remove the stinger (if present) by gently scraping across the sting with a dull, firm and flat object like a credit card. Do not pinch the stinger or use tweezers, as this can squeeze more venom into the skin.
  • Remove jewelry near the bite/sting site, as swelling may occur.
  • Wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection.
  • Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the sting site – 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off for as long as needed to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Apply hydrocortisone cream to the site of the sting to help decrease redness, swelling and itching.
  • Apply a topical antibiotic ointment or cream to help prevent infection.

Call the 24-Hour Poison Help Line for Additional Support:

1-800-222-1222

Prevention Tips

  • Wear light-colored shirts and pants.
  • Use insect repellents. See our insect repellent page for safe usage tips!
  • Do not swat at stinging insects and leave nests alone.
  • Avoid using scented soaps, perfumes, lotions or hair sprays.
  • Do not walk around barefoot.
  • Pour sodas and other drinks into cups. Most stings in the mouth come from a wasp or bee that crawled inside a can. Drinking from a cup will allow you to see the wasp or bee.
  • Don’t leave food containers open.
  • Wear a hat and gloves while working among flowers and fruit trees.
  • If you are known to have allergic reactions, keep an EpiPen® on hand and know how to use it.

Related links

Venomous Spiders
Stinging Insects
Ticks
Venomous Snakes
1-800-222-1222
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