Bee and Wasp Sting

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Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• Insect stings overview
• What are the types of wasps?
• What are the types of bees?
• What are causes of bee and wasp stings?
• When should I call a doctor about a bee or wasp sting?
• What are the symptoms of a bee or wasp sting?
• How is a bee or wasp sting diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for a bee or wasp sting?
• What are the complications of a bee or wasp sting?
• How can I prevent a bee or wasp sting?
• Bee and Wasp Sting At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Bee and Wasp Sting

Insect stings overview

Bee and wasp stings are common causes of medical problems. Bees and wasps, together with fire ants, are all related insects that belong to the Hymenoptera order. Bee and wasp stings can cause significant reactions, ranging from localized pain and swelling to serious and even potentially fatal conditions. At least 40 deaths occur each year in the U.S. as a result of bee or wasp stings.

What are the types of wasps?

There are over 25,000 species of wasps found throughout the world. Some of the most common wasps include:

• The yellow jacket and hornet, both of which live in groups, or colonies, in temperate climates.
  
  
• Yellow jackets, which have black and yellow stripes on the abdomen, form underground nests.
  
  
• Hornets are predominantly black with some yellow markings on the head and thorax. Hornets form paper-like nests that are attached to trees, bushes, or buildings.

What are the types of bees?

Bees include the honey bee, the so-called Africanized honey bee (also known as "killer bee"), and the bumble bee. Bumble bees are large, furry-appearing bees that fulfill the beneficial role of pollinating many plants. Honeybees, also active plant pollinators, are found all over the world. While honey bees are not usually aggressive, they will sting if bothered or threatened. Because their wings flap so rapidly, their presence is associated with a buzzing sound. Although the venom of the "killer bees" found in the Western and Southern U.S. is no more potent than that of regular honeybees, their behavior may be more aggressive. Killer bees may chase victims when agitated and may also attack in greater numbers, thereby increasing the chances of a severe reaction to their stings. Overall, there are more than 20,000 species of bees found worldwide.

Bee and Wasp Sting

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