During spring and summer bees and other flying insects are busy collecting food. Unfortunately sometimes we humans get in their way. In order to protect themselves, they end up attacking and stinging us. Most insect stings produce only local discomfort. Occasionally it can lead to more severe reactions called anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis from insect stings results in a significant number of fatalities each year. It is estimated that potentially life-threatening systemic reactions to insect stings occur in 0.4% to 0.8% of children and 3% of adults. At least 40 deaths occur in the U.S. yearly from reactions to insect stings. It is likely that additional deaths are due to insect sting but not recognized and therefore not reported.
Insects
Several insects can sting and, due to the anxiety that takes place when a sting occurs, it is very difficult to identify the one to blame. Other insects that can sting are: Yellow jackets, Hornets, Wasps, Honeybees. These insects are very different but all make venom that causes inflammation when inserted through the sting.
Yellow Jackets
Ground-dwelling insects, nests are concealed in the ground or behind siding or retaining walls. They have smooth thorax, and abdomen is yellow and black. They may be very aggressive and sting with minimum provocation, especially in the presence of food.
Hornets
They make aerial nests that resemble Japanese lanterns, generally in trees, shrubs, roof overhangs, or under surfaces of wooden decks. Nests may not be easily visualized. They can be very aggressive, particularly close to the nest.
Wasps
Have long, thread-like waists, oval abdomens, and elongated posterior legs. Coloration and size of paper wasps vary from region to region. The nests are honeycombed, open, and cone-shaped, often built in dark areas, such as under eaves or porches of homes, behind shutters, or inside dryer vents.
Honeybees
Hives may be domestic or wild. The wild hives may be found in tree hollows or old logs and may contain hundreds of bees. They are usually not aggressive when away from their hives. Always leave a barbed stinger with attached venom sac when they sting.
Bumblebees
Black and yellow, both the thorax and abdomen are hairy. Rarely cause sting reactions. Easy to avoid because are slow and noisy. Venom is not commercially available for diagnosis or therapy.