Have you ever been stung by a bee? It usually hurts and can be very irritating. For some people, it even causes an allergic reaction that could land them in the hospital! If you have recently been stung, we want to share with you what to do if bees sting you.
We have seen an increase in the number of Bee calls this winter here in Conroe, TX and many are wondering why? The answer is simple, this year’s mild winter temperatures have allowed Bees to continue to grow and colonize just the same as they would have in the Spring and Summer months. This is not good news for homeowners of Conroe, TX!
Here in Conroe, we have many types of bees. Bees such as the honeybee, bumblebees and carpenter bees. Bees live in colonies and make their nests out of wax which they produce from glands on their abdomens. The queen bee lays fertilized eggs while sterile female worker bees care for the young and enlarge and repair the nest or hive throughout their lifetime.
Bee or wasp sting symptoms:
The severity of your reaction depends on how sensitive you are to the venom. For some people, just one sting can cause a severe allergic reaction that requires emergency medical treatment such as an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). A less severe reaction may include redness and swelling around the site of the sting, sometimes followed by itching.
A sting on the tongue or in the mouth can cause more serious problems: difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat and chest pain. If this occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Bee Sting Treatment: Step-by-Step
Removing The Stinger
Once you’ve been stung, it’s important to remove the stinger as quickly as possible to avoid additional stings and further irritation. Use your fingernail fingertips to scrape across (not down) the affected area, forcing the stinger out. Don’t use tweezers or a sharp-edged utensil that might break off the tiny stinger and leave it in your skin to slowly leak venom. After removing stingers apply icepacks to relieve pain and reduce swelling. If you have been stung in the mouth seek immediate medical attention!
Treating The Pain
Once you’ve removed the stinger keep an eye on your symptoms for a few days, especially if you are allergic to bee stings (many people are). Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hives all over your body, stomach cramps and weak pulse. If any of these symptoms occur seek immediate medical attention.
To treat normal bee stings, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a plastic bag to reduce swelling. A mixture of baking soda and water can be applied to the area as an anti-itch treatment. If you have been stung on your lip or tongue rinse your mouth with cool water as this helps to neutralize the venom.
Other Bee Sting Prevention Tips:
Be aware that bees often attack when they feel their hive is threatened; if you find a bee’s nest do not disturb it! When outdoors during spring and summer wear long pants and sleeves and avoid perfumes and scented lotions that may attract bees and other insects. Avoid flowers that may attract bees such as red, pink, purple or white blooms; lavender is one of the best flowers to plant instead!
And most importantly, if you are stung by bees seek immediate medical attention!
What Should I Do If I Have A Problem With Bees?
You should call CPL Pest Control immediately! There is no reason why you should have to risk being stung when we have trained professionals that are ready to remove your bee problem today. Give us a call for your FREE Consultation and Quote! Call 281-683-6737 today and ask for Chris!
Thanks for reading!
