2023-07-17 16:11:06
Bumblebees are actually big beesbelonging to the same family as the latter: the Apides. This family belongs more broadly to the order Hymenoptera, just like the wasps where the hornets. But unlike the latter insects, you can encounter bumblebees outside of the summer period. Indeed, bumblebees are the first and last active pollinators in cool weather. Like many pollinating insects, the bumblebee is a species threatened by environmental degradation.
How to recognize a bumblebee?
THE bumblebees are characterized and differentiated from most bees by a stocky figure and an significant hair growth. There is significant (usually territorial) variation in the coloration of bumblebees within a single species. The body of bumblebees is most often covered with black and yellow borders. This insect usually measures between 6 and 25 mm long but their size depends on the caste (since this insect lives in a colony within a hive):
- The reinemeasures between 13 and 32 mm long.
- THE worker females are between 7 and 18 mm long.
- THE males are between 10 and 17 mm long.
During its life cycle, the bumblebee has 4 phases: egg, larva, nymph and adult (or imago). Each year, the colony is renewed. Only the queen persists, taking advantage of the spring to find a new location for her future colony. Bumblebees are strictly vegetarian. Larvae and adults feed on honey, nectar and pollen respectively.
What is a black bumblebee?
L’carpenter bee (xylocopa violacea), also called xylocope violet or black bumblebee belongs to the Apidae family (in the same way as other bees and bumblebees).
This big, stocky black bee has four translucent wings adorned with purplish reflections. Its massive morphology makes it the largest species of wild bee: it can measure up to 3 cm in length and spread a wingspan of 5.5 cm. Its noisy flight is similar to a loud buzz.
The xylocope is a pollinator, it gathers pollen from flowers with a tongue surmounted by powerful mandibles. This allows it to dig the wood to make its nest.
This harmless insect, which almost never attacks humans, can however cause damage to structures when it pierces wood to build its nest.
Do bumblebees sting?
Only the female bumblebees sting thanks to their dard or their smooth sting. However, bumblebees are not aggressive, so they hardly ever sting unless they feel threatened. For example, if you walk on them barefoot, or if you grab them between your fingers or in your hand or if you try to approach their hives.
Bumblebees can also react aggressively when confronted with a large number of smells (such as alcohol, perspiration, perfume…). Jewelry can also make them aggressive (due to the smell of oxidized materials between the skin and the jewelry). Bumblebees are also attracted to the color blue, especially light blue clothing.
Does the bumblebee have venom? `
Female bumblebees can inject peptides with neurological effects and minor allergens identical to those of bee venom, including own proteins. So if you are allergic to bee venom, there is a good chance that your reaction will be the same in the event of a bumblebee sting.
Does a bumblebee lose its stinger when it stings?
The bumblebee is not likely to tear off its stinger or part of its abdomen following a sting. Like wasps, they therefore do not die following stinging and can inflict several painful stings.
Does the bumblebee bite?
Bumblebee bite is possible either by a male or a female. Bumblebees can bite when they feel threatened by their mouthparts.
What are the symptoms of a bumblebee sting?
A bumblebee sting is manifested by:
- a sharp and sharp pain at the stitch point;
- and swelling (edema);
- and reddening of the skin ;
- of the itchy.
These signs are short-lived. Nevertheless, the sting can leave a mark or a hematoma for several days to weeks.
What to do when you get stung by a bumblebee?
If you have a bumblebee sting, without waiting, disinfect the area of the bite with a neutral soap. You can also apply a cold compresses at the site of the bite. In the rare cases where a bite occurred in the mouth or throatit is necessary to immediately go to the hospital, since the swelling leads to a choking hazard. Specific hospital care is then necessary.
Relieve a bite with essential oils
Essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and soothing properties. They are therefore often suitable in the event of an insect bite. You can apply a drop of essential oil to the bite. Recommended oils include:
- Spike lavender essential oil (soothing) or medicinal lavender ( once morest itching);
- The essential oil of pepper mint (refreshing and effective once morest edema and pain);
- The essential oil oflemon eucalyptus (anti-inflammatory);
- The essential oil of geranium bourbon (healing).
You can use a mixture of one or more of these three oils. It is also possible to mix them with vegetable oils.
Bumblebee sting: is it dangerous?
Bumblebee stings are not dangerous unless allergic. Approximately 1% of the population is found to have an allergic reaction following repeated bites (sometimes already following the second or third bite).
Allergic reactions appear very soon following the bite (from a few seconds to half an hour). There are 4 stages in an allergic reaction. The severity of symptoms increases from stages 1 to 4:
Stage 1 – itching, redness and swelling or even hives all over the body;
Stage 2 – Stage 1 symptoms, with digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea);
Stage 3 – symptoms of stage 1 and/or 2, with difficulty breathing and/or the feeling of suffocation (angioedema);
Stage 4 – symptoms of stage 1 and/or 2 and/or 3, with palpitations, loss of consciousness, anaphylactic shock (with dizziness, excessive sweating, chills…).
Bumblebee sting and allergy: what reaction to adopt?
If you observe any signs of allergy, you should consult a doctor to prescribe a anti-histamine. But, immediate hospitalization is necessary in case of respiratory disorders. If such signs appear, you should contact the SAMUEL (15 of 112). Treatment involves an injection of adrenaline. People who know they are allergic must always carry with them a adrenaline auto-injector pen to be able to react as quickly as possible. Desensitization treatment might be prescribed to prevent recurrences.
How to avoid the risk of bites?
Here are some easy-to-apply tips to avoid the risk of bumblebee stings:
- Put on closed shoes during nature walks;
- Avoid keeping with you sugary drinks (sodas, opened fruit juices, etc.) or food;
- Avoid wearing parfum or fragrant cosmetic products;
- If an insect approaches you, avoid them. sudden movements ;
- Do not disturb bumblebees or their nests;
- wear covering clotheswide and light in color.
1689613274
#Bumblebee #sting #symptoms #allergy #treatment
