What are stinging insects?

Included as stinging insects are Bees, Hornets, Carpenter Bees, Yellow Jackets, and Paper Wasps - all of whom can be researched in more depth using our Pest Library. Stinging insects produce a venom that can produce an allergic reaction:

Slight general reaction-inflammation, welts, itching, malaise and anxiety.

General reaction-a slight general reaction, plus 2 or more of the following symptoms: swelling, wheezing, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.

Severe general reaction-any of the above, plus 2 or more of the following: difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness, confusion or feeling of impending disaster.
 

Shock reaction-any of the above, plus 2 or more of the following: cyanosis, fall in blood pressure, collapse, unconsciousness or incontinence.

Insect stings result in rapid progression of toxic effects. Of 208 deaths, 80% occurred less than one hour after being stung by Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, yellow jackets, or hornets).

What should I do if I'm stung?

After you are stung, try to move away from the stinging insect. Bees will alert other bees, making them more likely to sting. Remain as calm and quiet as possible. Movement will increase the spread of venom in your bloodstream.

If the stinger is still in your skin, remove it within 30 seconds of the sting. Delay in removing the stinger is likely to increase the amount of venom you receive. You can:

1. Flick the stinger out with your finger.

2. Gently scrape it out with something like a butter knife or credit card.

3. Gently place cellophane tape over the stinger and surrounding skin. Pull the tape off the skin to remove the stinger.

Avoid pinching the stinger out with your fingers or tweezers because this can release more venom into your skin.

If you have been stung on the arm or leg, lower the limb at the time of the sting to slow the spread of venom. Hours later, if swelling is present, you can elevate the limb to help reduce swelling.
 

How can I prevent being stung?

Several procedures can be used to minimize the danger of being stung by venomous arthropods:

1. Avoid mowing lawns or working with flowering ornamentals when bees and wasps are collecting nectar.

2. Don't walk barefooted in the yard.

3. Sweet items like soft drinks, ripened fruits and watermelons attract bees and wasps. Keep these items covered outdoors. Pick fruit as it ripens and dispose of rotten fruits.

4. Get nests (above ground or below ground) treated by professionals as soon as possible! (see below)

What can be done?

NOTE: All of these should be attempted without sufficient safety equipment and training: CALL THE PROFESSIONALS TOLL FREE AT 800.347.2115 OR 800.634.5733 TODAY!

CALL AMERICAN PEST PROFESSIONALS TODAY IF YOU HAVE OR SUSPECT YOU HAVE A STINGING INSECT COLONY ON YOUR PROPERTY!

Did you know...?

Millions of people in the United States are injured from venoms produced by insects each year.

Did you know...?

About 25,000 injuries from stinging insects result in severe injuries and about 32 result in deaths.

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