What to Do If a Bee Stings You

It’s almost summer, which means it’s almost bee season. Avoiding a sting is priority number one, but if you happen to be stung by a bee, here’s what to do.

If You Are Allergic

If you know that you are allergic to bee stings, seek medical attention immediately. If you are unsure whether you are allergic, there are signs that you may be having a reaction:

• Hives, itching, or red skin
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the throat or tongue
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Loss of consciousness

If You’re Not Allergic

If you aren’t allergic to bee stings, then there are a few ways to aid your recovery.

Remove the Stinger

The first thing you want to do after you are stung by a bee is to remove the stinger. A bee’s stinger contains venom that contributes to the pain of a bee sting. The longer you leave a stinger in your skin, the longer it has to release the venom. Use tweezers or your fingers to completely remove the stinger.

Wash Your Skin

After you have successfully removed the bee’s stinger from your skin, wash the area with soap and cool water. This will prevent germs or bacteria from entering your skin through the sting.

Use a Cold Compress

It’s likely that by now you are experiencing some swelling. Use a cold compress to help relieve the inflammation around your sting. The cold compress will also help numb the area to reduce pain. Keep the cold compress on your skin for 15–30 minutes at a time. If your skin is too sensitive to have the cold compress directly touching it, use a damp cloth as a buffer.

Pain Relief

You can use a variety of over-the-counter pain relief creams to help reduce your pain. If you don’t have any available to you, here are a few home remedies to try:

• Honey
• Baking soda
• Apple cider vinegar
• Toothpaste
• Witch hazel

You can also take oral medications like ibuprofen or Benadryl to help reduce pain.

What to Do to Prevent Future Stings

Bee stings aren’t fun for anyone. Here are a few ways you can avoid them in the future.

Don’t Wear Sweet-Smelling Fragrances

Bees are attracted to sweet scents, so don’t wear perfume, hairspray, or lotions that may convince them that you’re a flower.

Keep Food and Drinks Covered

Summer picnics are great, and bees think so too! If you are enjoying food and drinks while outdoors, be sure to keep everything covered.

Always Wear Shoes

Shoes won’t always keep you from getting stung, but they will protect your feet as you walk through the grass.

Leave Bee-Infested Areas

Where there’s one, there’s probably more! Don’t hang around an area that seems to be a bee hotspot. There’s no reason to tempt fate.

Use Professional Pest Control Services

Sometimes, a bee problem can be too much for you avoid. In a situation with a bee infestation, you may want to seek professional help.

Protect your family from bees and other flying insects with Springer pest control in Des Moines. Don’t let these pesky bugs keep you from enjoying your yard this summer. Let the professionals at Springer successfully resolve your bee problem.