First Aid for Stinging
Pests
First Aid for Stinging
Pests
Bees and Wasps
A normal, non-allergic reaction to a sting is intense, immediate pain at the site of the sting, followed by localized swelling, warmth, and redness. These symptoms usually subside after a few hours but itching at the sting site may continue for days. If you're stung on one part of your body and have a reaction in another part of your body, or a reactions beyond the first joint nearest the sting, you should be concerned. For example if you're stung on the foot and your entire leg swells up, or your face swells, or you break out in hives, you should see a physician. This may be an indication that your next sting could result in a life-threatening, allergic reaction leading to anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of Anaphylactic shock are as follows:
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Itchy/hot palms or feet |
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Nausea, vomiting |
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Lumpy welts (hives) all over the body |
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Anxiety and feeling of impending doom |
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Headache |
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Breathing problems |
First Aid for bee and wasp stings
When a honey bee stings, it leaves behind its stinger with the venom sac attached. The stinger can continue to pump venom into the wound. The longer the stinger remains in the skin, the more venom is released, and the larger welt left by the sting. So, the experts say, use whatever method you like ( pinching the stinger and pulling it out or scraping it off), but get the stinger out quickly. This advice applies to bee stings. Yellowjackets and other wasps do not leave their stingers in your skin so, unfortunately, they can sting you again.
| Remove the stinger ( in the case of a honey bee). |
| Wash with soap and water (to remove any venom on skin surface). |
| Put ice on the site to reduce the initial pain and minimize swelling. |
| Analgesic, antihistamine, cortisone creams may reduce pain and itch symptoms. |
| If swelling extends beyond the sting site, or you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, see a physician. |
Scorpions
A scorpion sting causes a burning sensation at the sting site, usually with very little swelling or inflammation, but often with a positive "tap test", sharp pain when the site is tapped with a finger. Most scorpion stings are limited to the symptoms above, but systemic reaction may occur, although rarely, including hyperactivity, roving eyes, staggering gait, slurred speech, drooling, twitches, abdominal pain, and respiratory depression. Children and older people, especially those with respiratory problems and heart disease, are most at risk.
First Aid for scorpion stings
| If a scorpion clasps on to you, remove it quickly to avoid multiple stings. |
| Wash the bite site with soap and water. |
| Elevate the bite site if possible. |
| Capture the scorpion if possible (for identification). |
| Seek medical attention (1) if the bite could have been from one of the dangerous species, or (2) if you have any systemic symptoms. |
Information provided by Pest Control Technician Safety Manual by Pinto & Associates