Identifying That Small Hornet Looking Bug

As summer arrives and you spend more time outdoors, you may encounter a variety of small flying insects. Some are harmless, while others can give a painful sting. If you've been stung by a small bug with a slender body and noticeably narrow waist, chances are it was a wasp or hornet.

Differences Between Wasps, Hornets, and Bees

At first glance, wasps, hornets, and bees appear quite similar. They all have compact bodies with two sets of wings, six legs, and the ability to sting. However, there are some key differences that can help you identify that small hornet looking bug.

Bees are furry and collect pollen to make honey. Wasps and hornets have smooth, hairless bodies and do not make honey.
Wasps are slender with long, dangling legs. Hornets have thicker bodies and shorter legs.
Wasps have yellow and black markings. Hornets are usually black and white.
Hornet nests are enclosed and shaped like a football. Wasp nests are uncovered.

So if the insect has a smooth, hairless body with yellow and black bands, it is likely a wasp. A black and white bug that stung you probably came from a football-shaped hornet nest.

Types of Stinging Wasps and Hornets

There are many species of wasps and hornets around the world. Some of the most common in North America include:

Yellowjackets: Black and yellow wasps that build nests in trees, shrubs, or structures.
Paper wasps: Long-legged wasps that make umbrella-shaped nests under eaves.
Mud daubers: Skinny black wasps that build mud nest tubes on walls.
Cicada killers: Large wasps that prey on cicadas.
European hornets: Large white-faced hornets introduced from Europe.
Bald faced hornets: Black and white hornets native to North America.

Any of these species are capable of giving a painful sting if provoked. Yellowjackets and baldfaced hornets have particularly potent venom and aggressive nest defense.

Why Do They Sting?

Wasps and hornets use their stingers to paralyze prey and defend their nests. They do not typically sting for no reason. However, they can get aggressive when threatened. Common reasons for stings include:

Accidentally disturbing a nest
Swatting at wasps around food or drink
Stepping barefoot on a wasp in the grass
Trapping a wasp inside your clothes
Provoking wasps when mowing or trimming vegetation

Because wasps and hornets are very territorial, it's best to avoid areas where they are actively flying about or nesting. If you do encounter them, remain calm and still to avoid being stung.

Treating Wasp and Hornet Stings

Wasp and hornet stings can be quite painful. The sting will initially feel sharp, like a pinprick. This sensation comes from the stinger piercing your skin and injecting venom.

Within a few minutes, burning pain spreads outward from the sting as the venom takes effect. A red welt arises at the sting site along with swelling and itchiness. Here is what you can do to treat a wasp or hornet sting:

Remove the Stinger

A wasp or hornet can sting you multiple times because their stingers do not get lodged in the skin. If you were stung by a bee, carefully scrape out the stinger with your fingernail or a credit card.

Do not squeeze the stinger sac, as this forces more venom into the wound. Once the stinger is out, the bee venom stops injecting.

Wash With Soap and Water

Wash the sting area with mild soap and water. This helps remove traces of venom and bacteria from the skin surface. Gently pat dry.

Apply a Cold Compress

Chilling the sting site can alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a thin towel and apply it to the affected area for 10-20 minutes.

The cold helps constrict blood vessels to inhibit the spread of venom. Do not apply ice directly as it could damage skin.

Elevate the Wound

If stung on an arm or leg, keep the injured limb elevated. This uses gravity to prevent excess swelling and discomfort.

Lie down and raise your leg or sit upright and rest your arm on a pillow until pain and swelling subside.

Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or aspirin can relieve wasp and hornet sting pain. These medicines block inflammatory chemicals that amplify swelling, redness, and irritation.

Follow dosing directions carefully and avoid using multiple anti-inflammatory medications together.

Apply a Paste of Baking Soda and Water

Making a thick paste of baking soda and water can help neutralize wasp and hornet venom. Gently spread the paste over the sting site and let it dry. Rinse off after 10-15 minutes.

The alkaline baking soda paste counteracts acidic venom compounds that cause pain and itching.

Use Hydrocortisone Cream

Apply a small dab of 1% hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation and itching. This OTC steroid cream acts on the local immune response to calm swelling and irritation.

Do not use hydrocortisone longer than a few days as it can cause skin thinning with prolonged use.

Take an Antihistamine

Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratadine (Claritin) block the histamine chemicals released by your body in response to a wasp or hornet sting.

This helps manage localized itching, hives, and other allergic-type symptoms.

When to Seek Emergency Care

In most cases, wasp and hornet stings can be treated at home with conservative measures. However, seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

Signs of a severe allergic reaction like trouble breathing, throat tightness, or fainting
Extensive swelling far from the sting site
Stings on very young children
Stings inside your mouth or throat
Stings from multiple wasps or hornets
Flulike symptoms including high fever, headache, nausea, and body aches

These reactions warrant emergency care to manage complications and administer anti-venom if needed.

Preventing Wasp and Hornet Stings

Here are some tips to avoid being stung by wasps, hornets, and bees when spending time outside:

Wear shoes at all times to avoid ground-nesting wasps
Inspect areas before mowing or trimming bushes
Leave nests alone and keep your distance
Avoid flowering plants that attract wasps
Keep food and drinks covered outdoors
Wear thick clothing when hiking or gardening
Avoid swatting at wasps and make slow movements if one approaches
Do not wear sweet-smelling perfumes or lotions
Stay away from known wasp and hornet nests

Taking preventive measures lets you enjoy the outdoors safely and avoids receiving one of those painful stings from a small hornet looking bug.

FAQs

How can I tell a wasp from a bee?

Wasps have smooth, hairless bodies with long dangling legs. Bees are furry and have shorter, stubbier legs. Wasps are also skinnier than bees.

What does a hornet sting feel like?

A hornet sting is very painful. There is immediate sharp pain at the sting site, followed by burning pain. Redness, swelling, and itching then develops and can last a few days.

Can wasp stings be dangerous?

Most wasp stings only cause local pain, swelling, and itching. However, multiple stings or stings in the throat can be medically serious. People allergic to wasp venom are also at risk for life-threatening reactions.

What helps relieve wasp sting pain?

To relieve wasp sting pain, apply ice, elevate the area, take anti-inflammatory medication, and use hydrocortisone cream on the site. Oral antihistamines can also help with itching.

How do I avoid wasp and hornet stings?

Avoid areas where wasps are active, especially around nests. Remain calm and still if you encounter one. Also wear shoes outdoors, keep food covered, and avoid sweet smelling fragrances.

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.