

Here is a video of a bee stinging someone's arm. Mechanism into the wound that does not permit multiple stings Video of a Bee Sting The honey bee stinger has jagged edges that allow for an anchoring The bumble bee stinger is smooth and allows for multiple stings. A honey bee stingerĬontinually releases venom after it is initially injected and after the stinger is detached, which is why immediate removal is recommended. Glands (the venom gland and the dufour's gland) that produce the mixed contents of the injected venom. Stinger is barbed while the bumble bee stinger is smooth and allows for repeated stings. Honey bees, unlike bumble bees, can sting only one time because their stinger becomes detached after insertion. Males therefore do not have stingers and pose no threat. The bee stinger is a modified ovipositor, although in other insects (and in queen bees) comparable structures are used for layingĮggs, in worker bees the stinger is used just for defense.

This illustrates the non-aggressive behavior both groups display while foraging They are usually too busy searching for pollenĪnd nectar to be bothered by a curious observer or passerby.īoth bees are drinking nectar and neither are bothered or concerned by the Unless they are stepped on or unnecessarily aggravated. Bees that are away from the hive foraging will rarely sting Stinging insects use stingers for two main purposes: defense and predation.

Of the most important steps to overcoming that fear is a better understanding of these insects. Of bees in many terrestrial ecosystems, many people have a fear of all things that sting.
TREATING A BUMBLE BEE STING PROFESSIONAL
It is a cause for concern and is important that you get to an emergency medical professional as soon as possible, even if you only have one or two symptoms. The most serious threat of an insect sting is anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening swelling of the throat and tongue, which can prevent you from breathing. This reaction might come in the form of symptoms such as:Īny of these bee sting symptoms could be the sign of a severe allergic reaction to the insect sting, and you should immediately seek help. You should be concerned with the sting and seek medical attention if your body’s allergic reaction to it spreads throughout your body. Consider calling your doctor if the ting site continues to be swollen after two days. How long does a sting stay swollen?īee stings and your body’s reaction to their venom will vary, but a common sting may stay swollen for up to 48 hours. What Does a Bee Sting Look Like?īee stings often cause a raised welt and swelling around the sting site. One minor sting should be easily treatable at home, but in cases of multiple stings or a severe reaction, be sure to call your doctor or go to the emergency room. This reaction remains local to the sting site and doesn’t spread to other areas of the body.

The welt may grow in size over a 48-hour period. Some people may have a stronger allergic reaction to an insect’s venom, leading to bee sting side effects, such as a very large, swollen welt. Take oral antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl, to continue to reduce the swelling and itch. Bee sting symptoms should subside within a few hours. If you’ve been stung by either insect, try applying a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling. Don’t use tweezers - they can squeeze more venom into the sting site. Just use a credit card, your fingernail, or similar object to scrape away the stinger. If you’re stung by a bee you should remove the stinger and attached venom sac. Sometimes the puncture site appears white. Both bee and wasp stings result in a red welt, minor pain (a “stinging” sensation), and minor swelling. Typical Symptoms of a Bee Sting or Wasp Stingīee and wasp stings have similar side effects: They’re both painful and involve the insect injecting venom into the sting site.
