Warmer weather means more time enjoying ourselves in the garden or local park. These places also attract bees and wasps from spring to autumn, and they may sting you if they feel your presence is threatening them.
Bee and wasp stings can be painful for a few hours or days but aren’t usually dangerous. However, sometimes a sting can trigger infection or a potentially fatal allergic reaction.
Bees and wasps use a barbed stinger to pierce the skin and inject venom, typically in self-defence.
Only one species of bees in the UK commonly stings – the honey bee. Bumble bees rarely sting.
Only female bees and wasps sting. Wasp stings are far more common than bee stings. A wasp can sting repeatedly but a bee can only use its stinger once and dies after leaving it behind.
What to do if you’re stung
Research suggests that up to 94 percent of people are likely to be stung by insects such as bees or wasps at least once in their lifetime.
Bee and wasp stings can be treated by:
- Removing the sting if it’s still in your skin.
- Washing the area with soap and water.
- Applying a cold compress.
You should also avoid scratching the area. This could increase risk of infection.
According to the NHS, traditional remedies such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are unlikely to help.
Pain, swelling and itching can sometimes last a few days after being stung. Over-the-counter medications such as painkillers, ointments and antihistamines can ease the discomfort.
If symptoms don’t begin to improve after a few days, or start getting worse, call your GP or NHS 111 for advice.
Allergic reaction to bee and wasp stings
After being stung by a bee or wasp, some people may develop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
The condition results from the body’s natural defence system overreacting to the sting. It impairs circulation and breathing. This can be deadly, so immediate medical treatment is vital.
In the UK, insect stings are the second most common cause of anaphylaxis outside of medical settings.
This makes it critical to know the symptoms of a severe anaphylactic reaction. They include:
- Wheezing.
- Swollen face or throat.
- Clammy skin.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Feeling lightheaded.
- Fast heart rate.
- Low blood pressure.
- Severe inflammation.
- Feelings of anxiety or confusion.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Stomach pain.
- Loss of consciousness.
Can you avoid being stung?
Steps you can take to avoid being stung by a bee or wasp include:
- Don’t swat at the insects.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
- Avoid toiletries with a strong perfume. These can attract wasps and bees.
- Don’t go barefoot outside.
- If you’re on a picnic, keep food and drinks in containers until you need them.
- Leave bee and wasp nests alone.
Bee and wasp infestations
The risk of being stung increases significantly if you have a bee or wasp nest on your property.
Trying to deal with a bee or wasp infestation yourself is highly dangerous and likely to be ineffective.
The insects will do their utmost to protect themselves. This means becoming aggressive and going into survival – and stinging – mode. Remember, too, that unlike bees each wasp can sting you multiple times.
The safest and most effective way to deal with bee and wasp nests is to call in a professional pest control service.
Bee removal by pest control specialists
Bees play a crucial role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants, but their numbers are in decline and they’re an endangered species.
This is why responsible pest controllers only kill bees as a last resort.
If possible, they’ll remove the hive safely or help you find a local beekeeper who can relocate the nest for free and take good care of the bees.
Bee removal experts can also advise you on measures to prevent further infestation.
Dangers of DIY wasp removal
Like bees, wasps are also important pollinators, and they help keep the ecosystem balanced by preying on other insect pests.
However, a wasp nest near your home can put you and your family at risk. Wasps are fiercely territorial and likely to sting anyone who gets near their nest.
A wasp infestation is difficult to tackle on your own, with nest populations approaching 10,000. It’s also dangerous. You may be able to kill some of the wasps, only to face an angry swarm of survivors.
It’s best to contact a professional wasp removal service and stay out of the line of fire.
If you’re having problems with bees or wasps in the Hampshire or Dorset area, help is available from Pests, Birds and Bugs. Call us on 07388 892414 or get in touch online.