Insect Sting Treatment: How to Treat Insect Stings

Summer brings sunshine, outdoor adventures, and unfortunately, stinging insects. Wasps, hornets, yellowjackets, and bees are common warm-weather pests, and while many stings are merely painful annoyances, some can lead to serious reactions. In fact, stinging insects send an estimated 500,000 people to emergency rooms each year.

Understanding the symptoms of an insect sting and knowing how to treat it quickly and effectively can make a major difference in your recovery and safety.

Common Symptoms of Insect Stings

Most insect stings cause only a mild, localized reaction. Medical experts explain that you may experience:

• A sharp, burning pain at the sting site
• A red welt or bump
• Swelling
• A small white spot where the stinger punctured the skin

These symptoms usually resolve within a few hours. However, some people, especially those with allergies, may develop more severe reactions.

How to Treat Insect Stings at Home

According to NPMA’s Medical Advisor Jorge P. Parada, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA, most mild stings can be treated at home using the following steps:

Step 1: Remove the Stinger Immediately

If the stinger is still present, remove it as quickly as possible to prevent additional venom release.

• Scrape it out with a flat object (e.g., a credit card)
• Or gently lift it with tweezers

Avoid squeezing or pinching the stinger with your fingers, as this can inject more. Leaving a stinger in place can also increase the risk of infection or a foreign body reaction.

Step 2: Clean the Area

After removing the stinger, wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection and remove any remaining venom.

Step 3: Apply Cold Compress

Use a cold compress or ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, repeating as needed to ease pain and swelling.

Step 4: Use Medication

To reduce discomfort:

• Take anti-inflammatory medication
• Apply antihistamine and hydrocortisone ointments
• Consider an oral steroid if recommended by a healthcare provider for more significant swelling

Step 5: Elevate the Limb

If the sting is on an arm or leg, elevate the area to above heart level to minimize swelling.

Step 6: Avoid Scratching

Scratching can break the skin, leading to bacterial infection.

• Keep fingernails trimmed
• Cover the area with a bandage if scratching is difficult to avoid

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most stings are mild, some can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction. Symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Facial or throat swelling
• Rapid heartbeat
• Stomach cramps or diarrhea
• Drop in blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Those at higher risk - older adults, immunocompromised individuals, or anyone stung multiple times around the head or neck - may require medical treatment beyond at-home care.

If you have a known insect venom allergy:

• Always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®)
• Know how and when to use it
• Check expiration dates regularly
• After using epinephrine, seek emergency medical attention
• Ask your doctor for a referral to an allergist or immunologist

Medical identification bracelets or necklaces are also recommended for severe allergy sufferers.

Preventing Insect Stings: 9 Tips

To reduce the likelihood of encountering stinging insects:

1. Avoid wearing bright colors or floral patterns that attract insects
2. Wear insect repellent containing at least 20 percent DEET
3. Minimize strong-scented perfumes, colognes and lotions when outdoors
4. Wear closed-toe shoes, especially in grassy areas
5. Keep food and drinks covered at outdoor gatherings
6. Be cautious around garbage cans, compost piles, and fallen fruit
7. Regularly inspect your property for nests 
8. Be sure to clean up trash, crumbs and spills immediately
9. Eliminate standing water which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes

If you suspect an infestation, do not attempt DIY removal of the nest or hive, which can be dangerous and can result in multiple stings. Contact a licensed pest control professional who can safely eliminate the threat and help prevent future infestations.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely

Understanding how to identify, treat, and prevent insect stings can help you fully enjoy outdoor activities this season. Whether dealing with a minor sting or managing severe allergies, preparation and quick action are key. Learn more about stinging insects at DoNotDisturb.PestWorld.org.

Find a Local Pest Control Professional

If you notice stinging insect nests around your property, don't attempt to remove them yourself. Contact a qualified pest control professional who can safely eliminate the threat and help prevent future infestations. DIY nest removal often results in multiple stings and can be extremely dangerous, especially for those with unknown allergies.

*All medical content is reviewed and contributed by Jorge P. Parada, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA, medical advisor to the National Pest Management Association.

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