Wasp Sting Guide: Symptoms, Treatment & Remedies

Do Wasps Sting or Bite?

Wasps are flying insects that are often feared for their painful stings. Many people wonder if wasps actually sting, or if they bite instead. The answer is that wasps definitely sting rather than bite.

How Do Wasps Sting?

Wasps have a stinger located at the tip of their abdomen. This stinger is connected to a venom gland that produces and delivers venom when the wasp stings its victim. The stinger has small barbs on it that anchor it in place after insertion, allowing more venom to be injected. The stinger and venom gland are egg-laying organs that have been evolutionarily modified for defense purposes.

What Does a Wasp Sting Feel Like?

A wasp sting is often described as feeling like a sudden, sharp, and burning pain at the sting site. There may be swelling, redness, itching, and warmth around the affected area. The pain typically peaks within the first 5-10 minutes and then begins to slowly subside over the next few hours.

Why Do Wasps Sting?

Wasps most commonly sting when they perceive a threat near their nest. They are very defensive of their nests and will attack any intruder. However, they can also sting randomly if they are accidentally disturbed. Some things that can trigger an attack and stinging include swatting at them, accidentally stepping on them, disturbing their food sources, or even just having sudden movements near them.

What to Do After Being Stung by a Wasp

If you are stung by a wasp, there are a variety of methods you can use to treat the sting site and minimize pain and swelling. Here is an overview of some recommended treatment options:

Remove the Stinger

If you can still see part of the stinger in your skin, use a flat object like a credit card or your fingernail to gently scrape it out. Avoid squeezing or crushing the stinger, as this forces more venom into your body.

Wash the Area

Clean the sting area with soap and water to remove as much of the venom proteins as possible. This can help reduce your reaction.

Apply a Cold Compress

Wrap some ice or a cold pack in a towel and apply it to the sting site for 10-20 minutes at a time. This can significantly reduce pain and swelling.

Elevate the Area

If stung on a limb, keep that limb elevated above the level of your heart. This uses gravity to drain fluids away from the area and prevent swelling.

Take Antihistamines

Antihistamines like Benadryl can help counter the allergic-like reaction and reduce pain, itching, and swelling. Take according to dosage instructions.

Use a Paste of Baking Soda and Water

Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the sting site. Let it dry and repeat as needed. It can help neutralize venom proteins.

Apply Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that fights inflammation. Applying a small dab directly on and around the sting can calm swelling and irritation.

Home Remedies for Wasp Stings

In addition to conventional treatments, there are also some home and natural remedies that can provide relief when stung by a wasp. Give these a try if you want to take a more DIY approach:

Essential Oils

Oils like lavender, tea tree, basil, rosemary, and eucalyptus have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anesthetic, and antimicrobial properties to treat stings. Dilute and apply topically.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Wipe ACV over the sting or apply a soaked cotton ball. It can neutralize venom, reduce swelling, and ease the burning feeling.

Onion

Onions contain compounds that reduce pain and inflammation. Either rub onion juice on the sting or place a freshly cut onion slice directly over it.

Honey

Honey is renowned for its wound healing abilities. Covering a sting in pure, organic honey can accelerate healing and provide a soothing feeling.

Aloe Vera Gel

The cooling gel from an aloe vera plant has powerful anti-inflammatory effects on wasp stings. Break open a leaf and massage the gel into your skin.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Wasp Stings

While most wasp stings can be treated with simple home remedies, some require emergency medical care. Seek immediate help if:

• You are stung numerous times
• You have signs of an allergic reaction like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• You develop symptoms of infection like increased pain, redness, fever, or pus
• The sting site does not improve within a few days

Those with venom allergies should also carry an epinephrine auto injector (EpiPen) in case of a severe reaction. Anaphylaxis can be life threatening, so having an EpiPen on hand could save your life.

Preventing Wasp Stings

The best approach with wasps is to prevent being stung in the first place. Some tips include:

• Avoid areas where you see wasp nests or activity
• Cover food and trash cans outdoors
• Wear shoes outdoors
• Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or floral scents
• Stay calm and still around wasps rather than swatting at them
• Have nests on your property professionally removed

The Bottom Line

Wasps definitely sting rather than bite when they attack. Their stings are a defense mechanism that they use when threatened or provoked. Wasp stings are quite painful but typically only last a few hours. Use conventional medical treatments and home remedies to manage the discomfort until it goes away.

Seek emergency care if you have a severe reaction, are stung numerous times, or have signs of infection. When it comes to wasps, caution and avoidance are the best tactics to prevent stings in the first place.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.