2023-07-20 15:24:04
Wasps, bees, hornets and bumblebees are insects called Hymenoptera, which have the particularity of stinging with a stinger or a sting, thus inoculating a toxic venom”, explains the Health Insurance website (Source 1). Hymenoptera stings are often painful and can get complicated quickly. To neutralize the venom, avoid infections or have the right reflexes in the event of an allergic reaction, follow our advice to better take care of the dreaded bites.
Bee, wasp, bumblebee, hornet… how to distinguish the different Hymenoptera?
It is essential to know how to differentiate the wasp, the bee, the hornet and the bumblebee, these Hymenoptera, all feared for their bites (size, color, corpulence). The method of intervention differs depending on the type of insect. Here’s how to see it more clearly.
Hymenoptera are not naturally aggressive. “Bees only sting to defend themselves when they feel threatened. Wasps and hornets have a more offensive behavior when they seek their food or if they are disturbed near their nest. Bumblebees are peaceful and mainly present in farms; they rarely sting”, explains the Health Insurance.
How to relieve a wasp sting? What to put on it?
After a bee, wasp, hornet or bumblebee sting:
- Try to identify the insect that bit you;
- Immediately remove the stinger with your fingernail, the flat edge of a knife or even a credit card. Tweezers might puncture the poison gland and release more. If the bite occurred on the hand, remove rings and bracelets;
- Neutralize the venom with a heat source (hair dryer, lighter): the venom is thermolabile, therefore sensitive to heat;
- Wash the site of the bite with soap and water then disinfect, these insects being in contact with the ground (risk of tetanus);
- Then place an ice cube covered with a cloth on the bite to prevent swelling. Cold is an effective anti-inflammatory;
- To soothe the inflammatory reaction, you can use aromatherapy with spike lavender essential oil (Lavandula latifolia), a very effective anti-venom: 2 to 3 pure drops to apply to the area, several times a day;
- For severe pain, take a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have it on hand;
- In case of discomfort such as itching with redness“you can apply an antihistamine ointment provided that the sting or the sting has been removed, and that the sting has been properly disinfected”, advises the Health Insurance;
- “Stop all physical activity and stay quiet for 30 minutes,” recommends the Health Insurance. “Symptoms should improve gradually. If there is no worsening, resume your activities”;
- If the insect was swallowed, there is a risk of a sting inside the mouth. First reflex: suck on an ice cube. In case of difficulty in swallowing or breathing, immediately call 15 or 112. If the insect arrives directly in the stomach, it generally dies immediately.
What does the venom contain?
“The chemical composition of venoms is complex”, notes the Belgian Poison Control Center (source 2). Enzymes (phospholipases, hyaluronidases, etc.), peptides (kinins, etc.), amines (histamine, etc.), amino acids… “It is above all the enzymes (phospholipases and hyaluronidases) which, in some people, will lead to the formation of immunoglobulins responsible for the allergic reaction (Ig E)”, explains the latter.
Any sting should be monitored for 48 hours. If, beyond this time, the wound remains red, hot, bulky, and the pain persists: consult a doctor.
Swelling, pimple… What to do in case of an allergic reaction to venom?
The major risk is thesting allergy, especially in case of history or multiple bites. It will manifest as immediate swelling of the wound with generalized redness, pain or rash. There may be itching.
How to treat a swollen wasp sting?
In the event of significant swelling of the lesion, ask your pharmacist for advice, who will be able to advise you on an over-the-counter antihistamine to counter the allergy to stings. Taking corticosteroids and certain anti-allergy drugs is done following medical advice.
When to worry following a bite?
Whether it is a wasp, a bee, a bumblebee or a hornet, it is important to recognize situations requiring urgent hospitalization. It is an emergency if the allergic reaction results in difficulty breathing (anaphylactic shock) immediately suggesting angioedema.
- And swelling appears on the facewith a feeling of burning and tension on the lips and eyes.
- Other signs may be added: vomitingdiarrhea, fever, headache, drop in blood pressure, more rarely convulsions and loss of consciousness.
What to do in case of anaphylactic shock?
Angioedema can be fatal. In the latter case, immediately call 15 or 112. The main treatment for anaphylactic shock is to urgently administer adrenaline. People at risk or who have already had this type of reaction following a sting should always have an adrenaline pen-injector on them.
This severe allergy to stings, with edema and breathing difficulties, is fortunately rare.
How to avoid hornet, wasp or bee stings?
Here are a few things to do to avoid Hymenoptera bites.
- Do not walk barefoot in the grass;
- Avoid drinking canned drinks outdoors or in nature, as insects can lodge in them;
- Avoid wearing substances likely to attract insects (perfume, hairspray, scented sunscreen);
- Do not park your vehicle next to poorly closed garbage cans;
- Be particularly vigilant during a barbecue or an outdoor meal: during the day because wasps are attracted to sugars and meats; and in the evening because hornets are attracted to light (candles, lighting, etc.);
- If an insect approaches you: do not make sudden gestures or disorderly movements, remain calm and gently push it away;
- Avoid the vicinity of hives or nests. You can call the fire department to destroy a wasp’s nest. For a swarm of bees, contact a beekeeper;
- Avoid clothing in too bright colors that may resemble those of flowers;
- If you are allergic : tell those around you and bring an emergency kit containing injectable adrenaline, an antihistamine and an oral corticosteroid. “People with allergies can ask their doctor to prescribe an emergency kit consisting of injectable adrenaline (Epipen® 0.3mg type), an antihistamine (eg Zyrtec®) and an oral corticosteroid”, recommends the Belgian Poison Control Center.
1690187892
#Hymenoptera #sting
