Generally speaking, if you leave a bee alone, it’ll leave you alone. Bees typically only attack when they feel threatened or if you get too close to their nest. (2) But even if you’re perfectly okay with giving bees their space, you may stumble upon a nest accidentally or instinctively swat at a bee that’s buzzing in your face. This may be all it takes to get a bee riled up, and if so, you’ll be left with an unforgettable experience. Here’s what you need to know about reactions, treatments, and when to seek medical attention if you’re stung by a bee. Here’s a look at common bees that can sting.
Carpenter Bees
These solitary flying insects measure about 1 inch long and are sometimes mistaken for bumblebees. The difference is that carpenter bees have a shiny, fuzzless black abdomen (rear end). (5) Although carpenter bees sting, they won’t unless they’re agitated or feel threatened. In the United States, carpenter bees inhabit southern states from Arizona to Florida and eastern states from Florida to New York. (6)
Honeybees
Honeybees are slimmer than carpenter bees and measure about 1 inch long. These bees are golden brown with black stripes and are fuzzy; they are sometimes mistaken for yellow jackets. The difference is that yellow jackets aren’t nearly as hairy and have a much brighter yellow with their black stripes. (5) Honeybees collect nectar and pollen and provide humans with honey and beeswax. They’re important pollinators for crops such as cucumbers, cherries, apples, avocados, and blueberries. You can find honeybees all around the world, on every continent except Antarctica. (7) It’s highly unlikely you’ll be stung by a bumblebee, but it’s not impossible. These gentle bees will sting if they feel threatened or if you disturb their nest. And unlike honeybees, bumblebees don’t lose their stingers. (8) So you can be stung multiple times by the same bumblebee. Bumblebees are identified by their wide, bright yellow and black stripes and very fuzzy body; they are also about 1 inch long, but are bulkier than honeybees. (5) There are 49 species of bumblebees, ranging all over the United States. (9) Getting stung by a bee causes different reactions in different people. The severity of symptoms depends on whether you have a mild reaction, a moderate reaction, or a severe allergic reaction. (1) Bee sting symptoms are similar to symptoms of a wasp sting, but more severe than those of a mosquito bite. A mild reaction can trigger the following: (1,10)
A sharp burning pain at the sting siteA welted, red areaSwelling
Mild reactions often improve within hours of a sting, at which point redness, pain, and swelling subside. (1) With a moderate bee sting reaction, redness and swelling may be more severe and last up to a week. (1) A mild allergic reaction can be treated at home. Symptoms include hives (without breathing problems), itching, and flushness around the sting. (11) “Call 911 immediately at the first signs of difficulty breathing, swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea, weakness, sweating, confusion, or full-body swelling,” warns Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in the Los Angeles area. You should also seek emergency medical attention if you develop other symptoms of a life-threatening reaction, such as: (1,10,11)
ConvulsionsFeverDizzinessA weak pulseDangerously low blood pressure
These symptoms can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. If not treated early, anaphylaxis can lead to loss of consciousness and death. (11) It’s important to note that multiple bee stings can be toxic and become a medical emergency even for someone who isn’t allergic to bee stings. This is more common in children and older adults, as well as in those who have a history of heart or respiratory problems. (1) See a doctor if you’re swarmed by bees and receive multiple stings. A bee sting will often feel warm or hot to the touch, and most bites will cause a hive-like pink, itchy, or stinging bump, Dr. Shainhouse says. (2) Another telltale sign of a bee sting is finding a stinger in your skin. Unless, of course, you’re stung by a bumblebee, which doesn’t lose its stinger. (8) Next, clean the sting area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection, and apply a cold compress to calm the swelling and pain. If you’re stung on your arm or leg, keep it elevated. (12) It’s okay to self-treat with over-the-counter medications. Take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease pain and burning, or an oral antihistamine for symptoms of a mild to moderate allergic reaction. (11,12) Antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) offer the best penetration into the skin. “If you know that you’re allergic to bee venom, make sure that you have a nonexpired epinephrine injection (EpiPen) on hand at all times,” Shainhouse says. “If you do inject an EpiPen after a bite, call 911 right away. The EpiPen can cause side effects like heart racing, and the anaphylactic reaction can present again once the medication wears off,” she says. If you don’t have an EpiPen, but you’ve had a previous severe allergic reaction to bee venom, talk to your doctor about getting one, or see if you’re a candidate for allergy shots. These shots can reduce or eliminate the allergic response to a bee sting. (11) For a severe allergic reaction to bee venom, treatment may include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops, intravenous antihistamine, or oxygen therapy to improve respiratory symptoms. (12) It’s safe to apply a topical hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to a bee sting. You can also take an oatmeal bath or apply lotion containing oatmeal to soothe the skin. (12) Some essential oils have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties (lavender oil and tea tree oil, respectively), and may be applied undiluted to a bee sting. (13) But those with a skin allergy may develop a rash after using essential oils, so be sure to test the oils on bare skin to see how you react before applying oils to a bee sting. “Honey contains anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it’s a great home remedy for bee stings,” says Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics based in New York City. “It can reduce swelling, as well as prevent infection.” Spread a small amount of honey onto the sting to provide gentle yet effective relief, Backe advises. If you can’t get your hands on honey, aloe vera might be the next best thing. It’s been widely touted for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s been used for centuries as a healing agent and moisturizer, Backe says. Other home remedies that may help ease pain and inflammation from a bee sting include echinacea, mint leaves, witch hazel, and even an onion. (13) It’s also important to take steps to protect yourself from stings in the first place. Don’t walk outside barefoot, avoid bright-colored clothing that can attract bees, pay attention to the location of beehives near your home, and if bees start to invade your personal space, contact a pest control company for professional removal.
