If you have an allergy to bees or wasps, or if you've been bitten by a large number of them, dial 911 for medical assistance, or go straight to the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.
Otherwise, here are a few hints that will help with minor bee or wasp stings:
- If a stinger is still in you, don't try to pull it out — instead try scrape it away with the back of a knife
- To relieve the pain or itching, make a bread poultice and apply it as soon as possible. Here's how to make and apply a bread poultice:
- Take a small amount of bread (equivalent of one or two slices without the crust) and moisten with just enough water to make it doughy
- Knead in about ½ teaspoon (2 - 3 ml) of salt
- Put poultice on bee/wasp sting, and tie in place with gauze or a strip of clean rag
- Leave poultice in place until bread dries out (1 - 2 days)
A bread poultice draws out the bee/wasp venom, so that it won't hurt or be itchy. In my experience, it is the most effective treatment for stings or bites. However, if you don't want to do that, you can try doing some of the following:
- Apply a cold compress (clean towel wetted in cold water) or ice pack to the sting, to reduce swelling and/or itching. If you don't have an ice pack, you can use a package of frozen peas.
- Take an antihistamine (like Benedryl); please note this may make you sleepy, so don't drive
Note:
- You can use these same treatments on mosquito bites, or any other insect bites.
Disclaimer: while these hints are the result of years of experience and/or lots of research, in the end they are just my personal opinion. If you try something I suggest and it doesn't work, please don't sue me — I guarantee nothing. Best of luck!
Page created and maintained by A. Steinbergs
Last modified: November 28, 2011