How to Treat Killer Bee Stings
Africanized honey bees, better known as killer bees, attack anything they perceive as a threat, including humans near their nest. The venom in their stingers is poisonous and multiple stings can kill. Humans with multiple stings or stings on the neck or mouth should seek medical help immediately, but single stings can be safely treated by removing the stinger and treating the area with medications.
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Things You'll Need
- Sanitized knife blade or credit card
- Soap
- Cold compress
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Anti-itch medication
Instructions
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Use a sanitized knife blade, credit card or your fingernail to pull the stinger from the skin. Remove it quickly, moving the stinger from side to side to loosen it. Do not squeeze the venom, which can cause more venom to release, according to Texas A&M University.
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Gently clean the affected area with soap and water. Lessen any swelling by applying an ice pack or cold compress, but do not apply it directly on the wound. Alternatively, applying antihistamines containing a skin coolant can help reduce swelling and irritation.
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If swelling, pain or itching are still present, MedicineNet.com recommends using pain or anti-itch medications. If the swelling spreads to two joints from the injury, such as a sting in the finger that swells past the wrist, seek medical help immediately. This is a sign of a serious allergic reaction.
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Look for any signs of an allergic reactions during the first two days after the sting. According to city of Phoenix's website, signs of an allergic reaction include burning or intense itching on the wound, body swelling, a nettle-like rash that develops on the entire body, difficulty breathing, nausea, weakness, falling unconscious, shock, itching on the neck and groin, itching on the palms of the hands and itching on the soles of the feet. If any of these symptoms develop, seek medical help immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not suck the venom from the wound. This can irritate the wound, causing infection.
Do not leave the stinger in the skin. Venom can continue to release for up to 10 minutes.
