Stinging Insects: First Aid and Prevention

If you’ve spent time outside this summer, you’ve probably encountered a bee, wasp or another stinging insect. While most encounters with these bugs are harmless, first aid and preventive measures are sometimes required.

Preventing Insect Stings

Prevention is sometimes the best medicine. Whether you’re elbows deep in your garden or picnicking on fresh-cut grass, protective clothing goes a long way. You don’t have to wear a beekeeper’s suit, but you should wear shoes when walking outside. Light-colored clothing and insect repellent also discourage stinging insects. And if you’re gardening, wear a hat and gloves.

First Aid for Insect Stings

Taking preventive measures can help, but sometimes you’ll get stung anyway. Whether you’re treating a minor flesh wound or a full-on allergic reaction, it’s important to know some basic first aid.

Treating a Flesh Wound

Take these steps to relieve mild discomfort:

1. Check for a stinger. If the stinger is intact, remove it by running a hard, flat object over the area. Watch Omar Villanueva, DO, a Primary Care physician at Meritas Health Platte City, demonstrate how this is done.

Resist the urge to use tweezers or your fingers to remove the stinger because it can release more venom if you pull it out. Yes, you read that right: venom. Unlike biting bugs, stinging insects release venom.


2. After you properly remove the stinger, clean the area with an antiseptic or mild soap and water solution.


3. Next, apply ice and/or anti-itch cream, as needed, to manage discomfort.


4. Lastly, swab the wound with antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection.

Managing an Allergic Reaction

While thousands of people are stung by insects every year, only 90-100 people in the United States die from allergic reactions. But if someone is experiencing an insect-related allergic reaction, it’s critical to know the right steps to take.

If you observe or experience the below symptoms after being stung by an insect, seek medical treatment immediately.

Signs of an allergic reaction:

• Dizziness or confusion
• Fast heart rate
• Hives
• Pale or flushed skin
• Swelling of the lips or throat
• Trouble breathing
• Vomiting or stomach cramps

After you call for help, ask the person if they have an epinephrine autoinjector (sometimes called an EpiPen®), a device that administers life-saving medication during an allergic reaction, and follow the instructions. If the person loses consciousness, place them on their side to prevent choking. Loosen any tight-fitting clothing and cover them with a blanket.

Have Fun


Worried about getting stung? Don’t let the fear of getting stung keep you from enjoying the great outdoors. By planning for the unexpected, you’re picnic-prepared.

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Bethany Talley

Bethany Talley is the Digital Marketing Specialist at North Kansas City Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys baking and reading. She lives in the Northland with her husband and two dogs.