Medical: Insect and Bee Stings

Insect & Bee Stings - Prevention & Treatment: While most people are actually more afraid about animal attacks by larger animals, it is actually insects that are to be feared more. Bees, wasps, and hornet stings are more responsible for fatalities than snakes, spiders, and scorpions combined. In this section, we will give guidelines on what to do if you are allergic to Bee Stings, how to avoid Bee Stings, and what to do if you get stung.

If you are Allergic to Bee Stings

Some people are hyper sensitive to bee stings. For them, a single sting could already be seriously life-threatening. If you know that you are hypersensitive for bee and perhaps other insect stings, check with your doctor and make sure to bring an emergency insect sting allergy kit. Your doctor will be able to cater to your exact needs. Make sure to check the expiration date of the medications on your kit since most antihistamine medicines need to be replaced after a few years.

Avoiding Bee & Other Insect Stings

Use insect repellent sprays. Most of these sprays use DEET as their active ingredient and they do a great job at repelling mosquitoes. Citronella is less aggressive for the skin but generally does not have the same repelling effect as DEET.

Do not wear any sweet smelling fragrances often found in after shaves and perfume. These often attract flies, bees, and other insects.

Insect nets are a very fine netting that keeps insects from entering while still letting air through. Insect nets are mostly used for tents but can be found in an alternate form inside the ventilation vents of pants and other clothing.

Bees will mostly attack when either trapped or agitated. Close any opening in your clothes that could trap bees between your skin and your clothing. Should you stumble on a beehive, do not be stupid and try to collect honey or disturb it in any other way.

Treating Bee & Other Insect Stings

Bees will often leave their stings in your skin when you get stung. Remove them in a scraping motion with a needle or knife and avoid handling them with your hands as this will probably squeeze more venom into your skin.

The irritation and pain from an insect sting can often be neutralized by using an insect sting ointment. So make sure to bring some if you expect to go to insect - infested areas.

People who receive multiple bee stings or are either allergic to bee stings can go into anaphylactic shock which could cause swelling, obstructing the airways. Remove the stings and use antihistamine medication immediately. Apply CPR if needed and make sure the airways are cleared.

These are the basic things you need to know about Insect and Bee Stings. Take note that it is essential to have adequate First Aid knowledge and training if you are engaged in Outdoor Activities such as Hiking so you will know what to do in case you need to administer First Aid.