How to Deal with Insect Stings & Bites

Insect stings are uncomfortable and can often be distressing particularly if a person suffers from several stings.

However, the risks of being stung can be minimized by removing wasp nests and other stinging insect nests, such as ground bees, in or around your property with the assistance of a pest control professional. This will help ensure the safety of your home and yard.

Insect stings vs. insect bites

Insect stings should not be confused with insect bites.

An insect, like a wasp or hornet, stings to defend itself when it perceives a threat either to itself or the colony. It stings by injecting poison into or under the skin. The effect is immediate and results in a sharp, burning sensation.

While some insects sting to defend themselves, others (like mosquitoes, bed bugs), have piercing mouthparts that work like a hypodermic needle to draw blood. To give the insect time to feed, insect bites have evolved saliva that can numb the areas so that the pain is not as sharp as a sting (although the bite of a horse fly is very painful) and anticoagulant abilities to keep the blood from clotting.

Allergies to insect stings

Some people are much more sensitive to insect stings than others and young children tend to be particularly sensitive.

However, 3% of the population is extremely allergic to insect stings. An allergy to insect stings can develop at any time, even if they have not reacted to a previous sting.

Call an ambulance immediately if someone has a severe reaction to an insect sting.

Symptoms may include fainting, dizziness, nausea or difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

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Symptoms of an allergic reaction

The symptoms of insect stings can range from minor irritations to severe allergic reactions. For those moderately allergic to insect stings, there may be more general swelling around the wound. Consult your doctor if the swelling is severe or persistent.

Call an ambulance immediately if any of the following symptoms are seen within 30 minutes of a sting:

Swelling around the throat, mouth or tongue that could constrict breathing
Wheezing, choking or an inability to catch breath
Fainting, dizziness or headaches
Any chest pains
Nausea or stomach cramps

Remember, allergies to stings can develop at any time.

Those stung on two or more occasions in previous years are at higher risk from developing an allergy.

Specific insect stings and their treatment

The most common stinging insects are wasps (including hornets) or bees. Wasps are the most aggressive and may sting with little provocation.

A honey bee collects pollen from a yellow flower

Bee stings

Bees are much less likely to sting than wasps, usually when they are stood or sat on. The key sign of a bee sting is that it leaves its stinger lodged inside the skin and a venomous sac will continue to pump poison for more than a minute.

There are practical steps Ehrlich recommends if you are stung by an insect.

Clean the affected area with soap and water.
Remove the stinger by gently wiping the area with gauze or scraping it with a fingernail. (Avoid squeezing the stinger or using tweezers, as this may release more venom.)
Apply ice to minimize swelling.
Don’t scratch the sting, as this can lead to increased swelling, itching, and a higher risk of infection.
Ensure someone stays with you to monitor for any allergic reactions.

A yellow jacket wasp crawls across a piece of wood

Wasp stings

Wasps do not lose their stinger after stinging. This means that wasps can sting multiple times without dying. Once stung by a wasp or bee, the surrounding area will quickly redden and a raised welt will form. The welt will lessen after a few hours, but it may remain itchy for more than a day.

If stung by a bee or wasp:

Wash the wound with soap and water.
Reduce swelling by soaking in cold water or by covering the sting with an ice pack (but never hold ice directly on the skin).
Anti-histamines and calamine lotion can also help with wasp sting symptoms.
Monitor for allergic reactions and seek medical advice if worried about any symptoms.

Ant stings

Ant stings can be painful, especially from fire ants, which inject venom that causes burning and itching. The sting site may develop into a red, swollen pustule that lasts for a few days. Fire ant stings can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

If stung by an ant:

Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
Use a hydrocortisone cream to ease itching.
Take an oral antihistamine if the reaction worsens.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe corticosteroids for swelling.
Those with severe reactions may need an epinephrine injection.

A female deer tick crawls across a person’s skin

Tick bites

Ticks latch onto the skin and feed on blood. Unlike insect stings, their bites are usually painless but can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. A tick bite may cause redness, swelling, and, in some cases, a flu-like illness.

If bitten by a tick:

Use tweezers to remove the tick carefully, gripping it close to the skin.
Do not twist or crush the tick while removing it.
Clean the bite site with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms such as fever or rash in the weeks following a tick bite.

Preventing insect stings and bites

People who are sensitive to insect stings should take care to minimize the risk of being stung, but there are practical steps that we can all take.

To avoid being stung when outdoors

Try not to swat wasps or bees. This will only agitate the insect.
Do not wave your arms and try not to panic as this will also excite the insect.
If you enter an area with many stinging insects, walk calmly and slowly away.
Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants when spending long periods of time outdoors.
Cover all food and beverage containers when not consuming.
Avoid wearing perfume or using scented shampoos as some scents attract insects that sting.

Dealing with wasps and bees in your home or yard

If there are high numbers of wasps or bees in your yard or garden, it is likely there is a nest nearby.

It is important to deal with nests as early as possible wasps in particular become more aggressive in late summer and it is much safer to deal with them earlier in the year.

If you're unsure who to call for a wasp infestation, reaching out to a professional pest control service is highly recommended for safe and effective removal.

Ehrlich offers professional service for wasp nest removal and advice on how to get rid of wasps, hornets & bees.

Call Ehrlich Pest Control at 800-837-5520 for more advice on wasp stings and bee stings.

Preventing tick bites

Ticks are commonly found in wooded and grassy areas. Taking preventive measures can reduce the risk of tick bites. To avoid tick bites:

Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes when in tick-prone areas.
Use insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin.
Avoid walking through tall grass and dense vegetation.
Perform a full-body check after outdoor activities.
Shower within two hours of coming indoors to remove unattached ticks.

Key points to remember

Understanding how to deal with insect stings and bites can help prevent complications. Keep these key points in mind to stay safe and manage symptoms effectively:

Insect stings and bites can cause mild to severe reactions.
Symptoms vary from minor irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention.
Wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent can reduce the risk of bites and stings.
Consult a doctor if symptoms persist, worsen, or show signs of infection.

Need help with insect control? We can help

If you have any more insect sting questions or would like to set up a free inspection with an Ehrlich technician, please contact us online or call 800-837-5520.

Insect stings vs. insect bites

Allergies to insect stings

Symptoms of an allergic reaction