The most severe reaction, a medical emergency, is anaphylaxis. This occurs shortly after a bee sting and includes hives and itching all over the body, difficulty breathing, swelling of throat or tongue, fainting, and loss of consciousness. This type of reaction requires immediate medical attention, and those that know they are allergic should carry an emergency epinephrine auto-injector.
Another potentially serious but rare reaction happens after multiple stings. Though bee stings are rarely fatal, multiple stings can cause a person to feel very sick. According to University of California Integrated Pest Management, the toxic dose for bee stings is 8.6 stings per pound of body weight, requiring a normal person receive over 1,000 stings for risk of death. Young children, with lower body weights, and people with compromised heart or immune function may be at greater risk.
Pain Bee Gone
When a bee stings, it’s important to get the stinger out as fast as possible, as it can take a few minutes for all the venom to be released. The faster it’s out, the less venom that’s released, and the less severe the reaction. Though there are many techniques for removing the stinger, like using the dull end of a knife or edge of a credit card, I’ve always been able to simply pull it out with my fingers. A wasp’s sting won’t leave a stinger.
The site of the sting should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or soap and water to prevent infection. A salve of baking soda and water or meat tenderizer (which neutralizes the venom) can also help reduce future swelling and pain. Ice packs help, and I’ve been using them frequently to numb the itch. Since a bee sting causes a histamine reaction, taking an over-the-counter antihistamine can be effective in reducing swelling, and an anti-inflammatory can help with the pain. Though there are many purported over-the-counter and home remedies for stings, the results are questionable. In a 2003 article in Slate magazine, the author does a semi-rigorous analysis of home and pharmaceutical treatment approaches. His conclusions? Caladryl (calamine with pain killer), baking soda mixed with vinegar, and meat tenderizer are “excellent” options, while toothpaste is the “best.” And the overall winner, beating out antihistamine and cortisone creams, sliced onions, and insect bite relief sticks, was ice. I’ve been religiously using an ice pack during the waking hours, though it’s not so convenient for bedtime.
Not the Bee’s Knees
The best way to avoid a bee sting is to mind where you’re walking and don’t provoke a bee or wasp. Some people have the unfortunate response of swatting their arms frantically when a bee or wasp is near, but this only increases the chance of being stung; the insect will feel like it’s under attack. If a bee is near your head or on your clothes, it’s probably attracted to a color you’re wearing, and once it figures out your lavender shirt isn’t a lavender flower, it will leave. Fast movements, like running away or swinging your arms, can provoke a wasp to sting. It’s best to remain calm and wait for the insect to leave or use a piece of paper to gently push it off your arm.
Bees and wasps are also attracted to odors, so avoid wearing perfume or heavily scented soaps when you’re outdoors. Clovers and other flowering ground covers are hot spots for pollinating bees (that’s where I got stung), so it’s best to wear shoes while walking across them. Yellowjackets especially are attracted to food, including sweet sodas, fruit, and meat, so they’re likely to come crash a summertime picnic if there’s a nest around. Keep food covered and the area free of spills and have a fly-swatter handy. Other wasps aren’t nearly as aggressive and might even help rid a yard of pests.
While I’m a bit peeved about a swollen stump for a foot, I do welcome bees in my yard, and plant flowers and shrubs I know they like. As any gardener knows, they more than make up for the occasional sting—if it wasn’t for these pollinators, we wouldn’t have fruit, vegetables, or healthy flowers. But next time I head outside, I’m looking down—and wearing tennis shoes.
