Identifying Stinging Insects with Long Hair
Insects with stingers and long hair can be concerning if you don't know what they are. Some of the most common stinging insects with long hair include bees, wasps, and ants. Being able to identify these insects can help you know how to react if you get stung and whether you need to seek medical treatment.
Honey Bees
Honey bees are one of the most recognizable stinging insects with long hair. They have yellow and black stripes on their bodies and are covered in fuzzy hair. Honey bees live in hives with thousands of other bees and produce honey and beeswax. If you disturb a hive, multiple bees may sting in defense. Honey bee workers have barbed stingers that get stuck in skin when they sting, tearing away part of their body and killing the bee. Honey bee stings can be painful but are not usually dangerous unless the person is allergic.
Bumblebees
Bumblebees look similar to honey bees but are larger and furrier. They have black and yellow striped bodies covered in dense hair. Bumblebees nest in small colonies in holes underground or abandoned rodent nests. They are not as aggressive as honey bees but will sting if threatened. Bumblebee stingers do not get caught in skin like honey bees, so bumblebees can sting repeatedly. Their stings are mildly venomous and cause localized pain, swelling, and redness.
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps have slender, wasp-waisted bodies and are about 3/4-1 inch long. They are black, brown, or reddish-brown with yellow markings. Paper wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, in trees, or on walls. Their nests are made of paper-like material chewed from weathered wood. Paper wasps will sting if their nest is disturbed. Their stings are painful and can cause swelling and itching lasting a few days. Some people may have allergic reactions to paper wasp venom.
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are black and yellow wasps about 1/2 inch long. They build nests in holes in the ground, in wall voids, or hanging from eaves and trees. Yellowjacket nests contain up to several thousand wasps. Yellowjackets scavenge for food at picnics and outdoor events and aggressively sting to defend their nest. Their stings are more venomous than other wasps and cause a burning sensation and swelling. Yellowjacket stings can be dangerous in people allergic to their venom.
Hornets
Hornets are large, up to 1.5 inches long, and typically black and white or brown and white. They build paper-like nests in trees, under eaves, and other sheltered spots. Hornets will aggressively sting when their nest is disturbed. They can sting repeatedly. Hornet stings are extremely painful and can cause dangerous allergic reactions in sensitive people. People with allergies should carry an epinephrine pen in case of a hornet sting.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are reddish-orange ants with a painful, stinging bite. They build mounds in yards, parks, and fields. Fire ants swarm when disturbed, biting and stinging repeatedly. Their stings cause burning pain and form itchy white pustules. Some people have severe allergic reactions to fire ant stings and require emergency treatment.
Treating Stings from Insects with Long Hair
Most stinging insects inject venom when they sting, causing pain, swelling, redness, and itching around the sting site. Some people may have severe life-threatening allergic reactions. Taking quick action can provide relief and prevent complications after being stung.
Remove the Stinger
When stung by a bee, first scrape or flick out the stinger as quickly as possible. Try using a credit card edge or other straight edge. Avoid pulling out the stinger with tweezers as this may inject more venom. Wasp and hornet stingers do not get stuck like bee stingers. Simply wash the area if stung by a wasp or hornet.
Wash the Area
Wash the sting area with soap and water to clean it and remove traces of venom. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling and pain. Wrap the ice in a towel and apply for 10-20 minutes several times a day.
Use Topical Remedies
There are many topical remedies that can provide relief from stings including:
- Hydrocortisone cream - reduces itching and swelling
- Calamine lotion - soothes itching
- Baking soda paste - helps neutralize venom
- Epsom salts - reduces swelling
- Essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil - have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties
Take Oral Antihistamines
For swelling, pain, and itching, take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine or loratadine. Antihistamines help counteract the allergic reaction to venom.
Use a Topical Anesthetic
Sprays or creams containing lidocaine can provide temporary relief from pain and itching when applied to the sting site.
Take Pain Relievers
Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation from a sting. Avoid giving aspirin to children.
Watch for Signs of Allergic Reaction
Call 911 immediately if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction after a sting including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heart rate
- Hives or rash spreading across the body
Preventing Stings from Insects with Long Hair
You can reduce your chances of getting stung by taking some simple precautions:
Avoid Nesting Areas
Be aware of areas where stinging insects like to build nests like under eaves, in trees, and in holes in the ground. Keep your distance from known nests.
Eliminate Food Sources
Don't leave sugary drinks, ripe fruit, or trash cans open. Bees and wasps are attracted to sugary foods.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, hats, and closed toe shoes when outside to avoid stings. Light colors are less attractive to insects.
Remain Calm
Don't swat at or aggressively disturb stinging insects. Slow, gentle movements are less threatening.
Check Before Mowing or Pruning
Inspect areas for nests before using lawn mowers, weed whackers, chainsaws, or ladders. Vibrations and noise disturb nests.
Apply Insect Repellent
Spray clothing and exposed skin with an EPA registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Knowing if You Are Allergic
Most people have mild localized reactions to stinging insect venom. But some people may develop severe life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. This requires emergency treatment.
Previous Reactions
If you have experienced signs of anaphylaxis to an insect sting in the past including breathing difficulty, rapid heart rate, widespread hives, swelling, or fainting, you are at high risk for the same reaction occurring again and should see an allergist.
Allergy Testing</
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.
Add Comment