How to Properly Remove a Stinger from A Bumble Bee Sting

A long time ago I worked at a bulb farm and while out in the field, I was stung by a bumble bee. My supervisor immediately took over by removing the stinger and then explaining what she had done to prevent the obvious pain that usually resulted from a sting. I am hoping this will explain what she taught me so if you are ever stung, you will know how to properly remove a bee' s stinger.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fingernails
• Patience
• Tweezers (if available at time of sting)

1. 
    

   --First do NOT scrape the stinger. The stinger has a bulb on the end which contains the venom it uses and when it is scraped or squeezed, releases this into your body. This is what causes the horrific pain and the blister that forms.

2. 
    

   --Grab the stinger at the base of the sting itself. If you are able to get to a pair of tweezers, try to use these, if not, then your fingernails should work if you are careful.

3. --Pull out the stinger from where it has inserted itself (or at the base)

4. --Immediately throw the stinger in the garbage or better yet flush the it, because even though you have removed it, it still contains the venom and will release if stepped on by someone else.

Tips & Warnings

• I know when you are stung your first instinct is to pull it out or bat or scrape it off as soon as you can. But if you can try to remember to not squeeze the bulb of the stinger, you will be a lot happier.

Resources

• WebMd
• Drugstore,com
• Medicine,net,com

[poyomi]

on 8/15/2009 Great info 5*

[Surfthetide]

on 8/15/2009 Learn something new everyday. 5* and an R. Great photos

[breezyauzette]

on 8/6/2009 Your very welcome,at least you will know for the next time if it happens again :)

[harrisdy]

on 8/6/2009 wish i've read this article when i was stung last summer... thanks! 5* and rec.

[fitzcents]

on 8/6/2009 I hate stepping on loose Bumble Bee stingers irresponsibly left around the farm.. Great article! 5*