What to do if you get stung by a bumblebee?

What to do if you get stung by a bumblebee?

Treatment for moderate reactions

1. If you can, remove the stinger as soon as possible, such as by scraping it off with a fingernail.
2. Wash the affected area with soap and water.
3. Apply a cold compress.
4. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed.
5. If the sting is on an arm or leg, elevate it.

How long does a bumblebee sting last?

Severe pain or burning at the site lasts 1 to 2 hours. Normal swelling from venom can increase for 48 hours after the sting. The redness can last 3 days. The swelling can last 7 days.

What should I do if a bee stings me?

To treat a sting from a bee, wasp, or hornet, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

1. Stay calm.
2. Remove the stinger.
3. Wash the sting with soap and water.
4. Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
5. Consider taking over-the-counter pain medication.

How long after bee sting can anaphylaxis occur?

Anaphylactic reaction to a bee sting can start within two hours of the incident and rapidly progress. Hives will develop on the face and body, followed by other symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing and swallowing.

How do you know if stinger is still inside?

Determine if the stinger is still present (look for a small black dot at the sting site) and remove it immediately if is visible in the wound. Many doctors recommend using a hard object like a credit card or blunt knife to swipe over the area and remove the stinger.

What are the symptoms of a bumble bee sting?

Usually a bumblebee sting leads to a non-allergic, local reaction: swelling, itchiness and redness at the site of the sting, lasting for only a couple of hours.

Why do bumble bees sting people?

They do not form swarms like other communal bees and they only sting when truly provoked. Only female bumble bees have stingers. But they are so good-natured that getting a female to sting you is a major undertaking. According to BumbleBee.org, a bumblebee will even warn you before it stings.

Do bumble bees sting humans?

They rarely sting humans unless when they are provoked. However, there exist a bumble bee species in North America that is more aggressive than the common bees. These bee species have a venomous sting that is allergic. Therefore, it is good to avoid contact with these bees especially if you are allergic to bee stings.

Do male bumble bees sting?

Male bees do not have stingers. Bumble bees, Bombus spp., are ground-nesting bees and have smaller hives than honey bees. They gather pollen, but they do not produce honey. Most bumble bee stings occur when their nest is disturbed.