Do Bumblebees Sting? Signs of Stings, Treatment and Removal Tips

Bumblebees and Their Stings

Bumblebees are furry insects that play an important role as pollinators. Their distinct black and yellow markings caution that they can deliver painful stings if provoked. But do all bumblebees actually have stingers? And what should you do if one of these buzzing creatures stings you?

Do Bumblebees Sting?

Most types of bumblebees have a sting. Female worker bees and male drones both wield this helpful defense mechanism. Since the queen bee is busy laying eggs, she lacks a stinger.

Bumblebee species that have a sting include:

• Brown-belted bumblebee
• Buff-tailed bumblebee
• Common eastern bumblebee
• Confusing bumblebee
• Half-black bumblebee

Plus many more in the Bombus genus around the globe. So exercise caution and avoid swatting if a large, buzzing bee approaches.

When Do They Sting?

Unlike more aggressive bees, bumblebees rarely sting without significant provocation. Situations that may prompt a defensive attack include:

• Accidentally stepping on or handling a bumblebee
• Disturbing a ground nest or nest-box
• Trying to remove bees too close to your home
• Swatting at or otherwise threatening the insects

Generally, bumblebees forage for pollen without bothering humans or pets. But they will sting to protect themselves or their nest if they feel endangered.

Signs a Bumblebee Stung You

How can you confirm a bumblebee unleashed its sting in defense? Look for these key signs:

Sharp Pain

You will likely feel an instant, sharp burning or stabbing sensation if stung. Bumblebee stings embed a tiny stinger into skin, injecting venom that causes pain.

Swelling and Redness

Within minutes, swelling and redness develops around the sting site. A small, raised white mark may remain visible at the center once swelling subsides.

The Stinger

Take a close look where you felt the sting. The stinger itself may still be lodged in your skin, especially if you were stung on a fleshy area of your body. Gently remove it if present.

Single Sting

Unless their nest is threatened, bumblebees do not attack in swarms - only one will sting. So a single sting indicates the bee likely felt personally threatened as you inadvertently got too close.

Treating Bumblebee Stings

Home remedies and medical treatments help ease pain and inflammation from bumblebee stings. It is also key to watch for signs of allergic reaction, which require emergency care in severe cases.

Remove the Stinger

If you spot the stinger, carefully detach it from the skin with tweezers or a straight-edged object like a credit card. Avoid squeezing the stinger sac during removal so more venom is not injected.

Wash the Area

Thoroughly flush the sting and surrounding skin with soap and water. This helps remove traces of venom and decreases risk of infection.

Apply a Cold Pack

Icing the sting for 10 to 20 minutes constricts blood vessels to diminish swelling, redness and sensations of burning or itching.

Take Antihistamines

Over-the-counter oral antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine block histamine release, tempering pain. Benadryl cream applied topically has a similar effect.

Consider Pain Relievers

For moderate pain, an OTC painkiller like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium provides relief. But avoid aspirin for children and teenagers.

Watch for Infection

Signs of infection - worsening pain, swelling, redness, heat and pus - indicate a doctor's care is needed for antibiotics. Cellulitis and abscesses may develop without proper treatment.

Monitor for Allergic Reaction

Call 911 immediately if stung individuals develop any indicators of bee venom allergy like difficulty breathing, throat swelling or fainting. An epinephrine pen and emergency room management are vital.

Preventing Bumblebee Stings

Protect yourself from inadvertently aggravating bumblebees and prompting stings with these tips:

• Give any bumblebees in your yard several feet of space
• Avoid areas where you notice ground nesting or nest boxes
• Remain calm and still if a bee approaches - no sudden movements
• Have nests near doorways or high traffic zones removed by a professional
• Wear shoes outdoors
• Avoid brightly colored clothing
• Check yard before mowing - their nest may be hidden

Taking precautions allows us to co-exist safely with bumblebees and benefit from their excellent pollination services.

When to Call an Exterminator

While bumblebees generally do not aggressively attack humans, extremely large nests located right next to doorways or other high traffic areas may require removal to prevent stings.

Signs a bumblebee nest is unsuitable for your property includes:

• Large numbers of bees (hundreds) streaming in and out of a nest
• Nest tucked into home siding, roof eaves or chimney
• Finding multiple underground nests near entries or walkways
• Dogs or children being stung in the yard

In cases like these, consult a professional pest control service to safely eliminate the nests and bumblebees.

Bumblebee Nest Removal Tips

When looking for a company, make sure they:

• Use methods that avoid spraying pesticides outdoors
• Will safely remove and relocate the bumblebee colony if possible
• Can perform exclusions if nests are located inside voids of the home

Addressing infestations responsibly keeps both families and essential pollinators protected.

The Takeaway

Almost all bumblebee species can inflict painful stings using an abdominal stinger when they perceive a threat. Carefully detaching the stinger if embedded in skin limits the dose of venom delivered.

Typical reactions cause redness, pain and swelling at the sting site. But more severe allergic responses arise in some people and require prompt emergency care.

Understanding bumblebee behaviors allows us to avoid antagonizing them unnecessarily in their native habitats. Leaving them be and giving them a wide berth is key to preventing confrontations and stings from these vital pollinating insects in most cases.

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.