The insects that sting

Insects that are members of the Hymenoptera family most commonly cause allergic reactions. These include:

• Honey bees

• Wasps

• Hornets

• Yellow jackets

• Fire ants

Allergic reactions to insect stings

The reactions are often at the sting site, with redness, swelling, pain and itching. Generally, the reaction lasts only a few hours. But some may last longer.

For some people, allergic reactions to insect stings can be life-threatening. The reaction is called anaphylaxis and can include severe symptoms such as:

• Itching and hives over most of the body

• Throat and tongue swelling

• Trouble breathing and chest tightness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea

• Rapid fall in blood pressure

• Shock

• Loss of consciousness

• Death

If you or someone in your family has any of these symptoms after a sting, seek medical care right away.

Preventing stings

Preventive measures include:

• Keep food covered when eating outdoors.

• Be careful with open drink bottles or cans. Insects can fly or crawl inside them.

• Stay away from perfumes, and strong smelling hair products or deodorants.

• Don't wear bright, flowered clothing. 

• Don't go barefoot or wear sandals in grassy areas.

• When gardening, watch for nests in trees, shrubs, and flower beds.

• Be careful near swimming pools, woodpiles, under eaves of houses, and trash containers.

Treatment for stings

Treatment suggestions for highly allergic people include:

• Remove the stinger right away by scraping it with a fingernail. Don't squeeze the stinger. That could force the venom into the body.

• Always carry 2 epinephrine autoinjectors. Make sure you and those close to you know how to use them.

• With severe symptoms, use your epinephrine injector and call 911 . Get emergency treatment as soon as possible.

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a sting in the past, talk with your healthcare provider. Ask to see an allergist for testing for venom allergy. Also ask to get an epinephrine autoinjector if you don't already have one. Find out if you need allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help prevent severe allergic reactions to stings in the future.