Things You'll Need:
- Tweezers
- Liquid painkiller like Bactine
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Step 1
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BITE AND A STING. Most of the time you will know you've been stung because you will see the bee. But sometimes you won't know anything has happened until you feel a sudden, sharp burning pain at the sting site and a red welt will appear. In the center of the red raised area, a small, white spot will appear where the bee stinger punctured the skin. Although bee stings and mosquito bites look similar, the mosquito does not leave a stinger behind and no white center will appear if it's a mosquito bite.
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Step 2
If you're allergic to bee stings, you'll have a more serious reaction than just a raised welt. Most allergic reactions develop within minutes of the sting, but sometimes serious reactions can take hours to intensify. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting can include a large area of swelling, itching or hives all over your body, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath, tongue or throat swelling, loss of consciousness, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. If you are a child, an older adult, or someone who has heart or breathing problems, multiple stings can be a medical emergency. You should call 911 or go to an emergency room for treatment. Even if you are not at high risk, a dozen or more stings can make you feel quite sick and you should probably seek medical attention especially if the stingers are still implanted in your skin.
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Step 3
REMOVING THE BEE STINGER. If the stinger is still in your skin, you will need to remove it. Do not try to squeeze it out. That can release more bee venom. Use a tweezers to pull it straight out or remove it by scraping across your skin with your nail. The longer the stinger remains, the more venom can be released into your skin. For most people, swelling and pain will go away within a few hours and only cause minor discomfort.
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Step 4
Use pain relievers for bee stings.STOP THE PAIN. Here are some home remedies that you can try to decrease the stinging pain caused by the bee venom. Rub a wet aspirin on the sting area or make a paste of baking soda and water. Let it dry and leave it there until the stinging goes away. Rub aloe vera or ice on the sting area. Spray the area with a painkiller like Bactine. Antihistamines or calamine lotion can also help. Most symptoms will subside within an hour or two, but in the meantime you can use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for minor pain relief.
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Step 5
Flowers attract bees: stay away.HELP BEES TO AVOID YOU. Unlike mosquitoes, bees do not go looking for someone to sting. They usually bite when they are disturbed. Stay away from hives and areas of blooming flowers where bees like to congregate. Bright colors attract them as do strong odors of sweet beverages, fruit, and in the case of African Bees and wasps, they like the smell of meat. Avoid wearing perfume, scented lotions, hairspray, and soap. Anti-static dryer sheets have been known to keep bees away from your picnic when they are spread around the perimeter of your eating area. Never swat at bees. It is better to keep a misting bottle of water handy and spray them than to flail about. Be mindful of ground bees especially at the beach and in wooded areas. You don't want to step on one. Listen for the bee "hum" and steer clear of the area.
