Bee Sting Remedies That Really Help
Bee sting remedies can help relieve pain, swelling, and itching after a sting, and most mild stings can be treated at home. Knowing what to do for a bee sting quickly often makes a big difference in how uncomfortable you feel afterward. Simple household items and natural ingredients may provide relief, but it is important to remember that bee stings and wasp stings are not exactly the same and may require different treatment. You should also know when a sting requires professional medical attention.
Some insects are more likely to sting than others. Wasps tend to be more aggressive – while honey bees are rather docile. Honey bees sting only for defense. But, as a little girl running barefoot through the clover – I can tell you they still hurt!
What to Do Right After a Bee Sting
For most of us, some simple first aid helps to reduce swelling and discomfort of bee and wasp stings. However, if you think you may be allergic, never attempt self treatment for bee stings – visit the nearest emergency center immediate medical attention.
Move Away From the Area
Acting quickly is very important in sting care. But, you should quickly move away from the area where the sting occurred – you may be near a nest. And more stingers may be headed your way.
It is a good idea to be able to identify insects most common to your area. Do you know what a honey bee looks like – well enough to identify them?
Know the differences between wasps vs bees. Why does it matter? The biggest reason is that a person can be allergic to one and not another. However, some people are allergic to both types of venom.
Remove the Stinger Quickly
If you were stung by a honey bee, this first step is to remove the stinger as soon as possible.
The barbed stinger of a honey bee usually gets stuck in your skin. You may see the attached venom sac too – it continues to pump venom for a few seconds.
Do not grab and squeeze the stinger as you may only force more venom into your skin. Instead use a fingernail, credit card or any hard surface to scrape the sting away.
Wash the Area and Reduce Swelling
After removing the stinger (if there is one), wash the area gently with warm soapy water. This helps clean the skin and might reduce the chance of infection.
I often place a cold compress on the sting area for 10-15 minutes at a time. This reduces swelling and numbs some of the pain.
For many people, these first steps of care provides all the needed bee sting relief.
Natural Bee Sting Remedies That Help
For local reactions – the following tips may provide relief. Try to avoid scratching the sting site. ( I know… it’s difficult.)
- for pain: aspirin, acetaminophen or antihistamine orally -if allowed
- apply a cold compress to the sting area for 10 minute intervals
- baking soda: thick past of baking soda and water to sting site
- spread a small amount of honey on the sting: another awesome ways to use honey
- toothpaste: applied to site gives relief for bee stings but not wasp
- meat tenderizer applied to sting site
- Apple Cider Vinegar applied to site for 30 minutes
- wet aspirin applied to sting site
- Lavender Oil mixed with Olive Oil applied to site
- Tea Tree Essential Oil mixed with Olive Oil applied to site
- Witch Hazel applied to the sting site several times a day
- Aloe Vera Gel may soothe the swelling
- Meat Tenderizer – mixed with a little water applied to sting site for 30 minutes
- plantain leaves – chew them up and put the paste on the sting site (then make some DIY Plantain Salve for other minor bites.)
Bee Sting Vs Wasp Sting
Unlike honey bees, wasps do not leave a stinger behind. This means they can sting repeatedly and tend to be more aggressive. I feel that Wasp stings are more sharp and painful than those of honey bees.
Many of the same remedies used for bee stings may also help mild wasp stings. Ice packs, aloe vera, vinegar, and over-the-counter antihistamines are commonly used for wasp sting treatment.
Sting Symptoms & Reactions
Bee sting reactions vary from one person to another. But, they share a few common points. These are normal local reactions that most people experience.
- pain – pain can last several minutes
- swelling/redness/itching/heat – your immune system’s response to the protein rich venom
Sometimes insects stings hurt worse than other times. Many of my beekeeping friends swear that stings are more painful in late summer than earlier in the year!
If the only affected area is the sting site, you are probably not “allergic”. Less than 3% of the population is truly allergic.
Watch for Signs Of An Allergic Reaction
Local reactions resolve themselves as long as no infection occurs. Symptoms should resolve witin a couple of day.
However, some people have serious allergic reactions that require immediate medial attention.
Seek emergency help if you notice:
- trouble breathing
- swelling of the face or throat
- dizziness
- rapid heartbeat
- hives spreading from the sting site
- Anaphylaxis – swelling in the face (unless you were stung there), swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.
Seek emergency help immediately – do not attempt home remedies in this situation.
Caution for Beekeepers
Beekeepers face a higher risk of being stung than most people. We learn learn hive management methods to reduce stinging situations.
Wearing our protective beekeeping suits and wise use of a bee smoker saves bee lives and lessens our chance of stings.
Beekeepers can become immune or more allergic to stings. For some, this represents less effects from venom over the years.
Other beekeepers have pain and swelling from their stings early in the season and less so later in Summer.
And then, there is the beekeeper who has little reaction to stings for 20 years and then all of a sudden-develops an dangerous bee allergy. You just never know.
Getting stung is a part of beekeeping. Its not my favorite part.
More Ideas to Try
Take some action to avoid stinging and biting insects. If you plan to be outdoors, whip up a batch of beeswax bug bite sticks. All natural relief in a handy portable tube.
If you are very interested in using natural oils – be sure to check out this article on the most effective Essential Oils for Bee Sting Relief.
FAQs
Swelling from a bee sting can last a while. But, the swelling and redness should fade over the next 24 to 48 hours. If you find the redness growing in size, it is time to head to the doctor and check for an infection.
Your pets can suffer from bee stings too. In fact, your dog may even eat a bee but it is not necessarily life threatening. Like a sting to a human, proper attention is needed for any allergic reaction.
Kids are subject to an increased risk if they get stung multiple times. Their bodies are smaller and cannot cope with as much venom.
The treatment protocol for children is the same as adults. A sting or two with no allergic reactions can be treated the same as adults. If in doubt, call your doctor or emergency center.
Some pain, swelling and redness can last for several days after a sting. However, these local reactions should start to fade within a day or two. If the sting isn’t healing check with your doctor.
Honey bees have a barbed stinger that become stuck in mammal skin. You will see the stinger and attached venom sack if it is there. If a bit of the stinger is left inside, it will look like a tiny black thread.
Final Thoughts
All remedies for bee stings work better if you are quick to remove that stinger (in the case of honey bees). Less venom means less reaction and less pain later. While they are usually a minor event, any stinging situation should be approached with caution, care and monitoring.
*** Medical Disclaimer – I am a beekeeper not a doctor. These are suggestions and basic care information. Seek medical advise and treatment when needed.