How Much Do You Know About Stinging Insects?
Picnics and barbecues and pottering in the garden are some of the delights of summer. For some people, though, these pleasant pastimes are ruined by a fear of bees and wasps and other things that sting. Should you worry? Find out by taking this true-false quiz.
1. Most people are allergic to bee stings.
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Only about 5% of Americans are allergic to bee and wasp stings. For most people, a bee or other insect sting will cause pain and swelling at the site of the sting, but nothing more.
2. A person who is allergic to bees may develop red, itchy, raises bumps on the skin in response to a sting.
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These bumps are called hives and are a sign of an allergic reaction. A nonallergic reaction to a sting includes pain, swelling, and some redness at the sting site. A serious allergic reaction to a sting includes flushing and swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, with difficulty breathing. You should get medical care right away if you or someone you know has difficulty breathing; has swelling across a large area of skin; dizziness; tightness in the throat or chest; or nausea or vomiting. If you are stung in the mouth, seek immediate medical help even if you are not allergic to a sting.
3. Honeybees are the culprits in most insect stings.
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The majority of insect stings are caused by yellow jackets, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yellow jackets are a type of wasp often mistaken for a honeybee because they are yellow and black. These wasps build their nests in the ground or in low-growing shrubs. Other insects that can sting include hornets, other types of wasps, and fire ants. Scorpions, a kind of arachnid that lives in the Southwestern United States, also sting.
4. If a bee stings you, leave the stinger alone and don't try to remove it.
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You should try to remove the stinger as quickly as possible to limit the amount of venom that will enter your body, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Don't try to pull it out or squeeze it to remove it. Instead, use your fingernail or a dull knife to gently scrape the stinger out. This will stop more venom or poison from being released.
5. A paste of baking soda and water applied to the site of the sting can help relieve the pain.
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First, wash the sting site gently with soap and water. Then apply the paste and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Or you can apply cold or ice to the sting site. If possible, raise the sting site to help ease swelling and pain.
6. Don't wear clothing with bright, flowery prints. This style of fabric may attract bees.
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Bees are attracted to bright-colored clothing. To help prevent stings, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes. Don’t wear perfume or other scented products. At picnics or barbecues, keep all food covered. Watch open soda cans, because bees can fly inside. Move slowly around bees. Any sudden movements may cause them to sting.
7. Plant flowers that bees aren't attracted to, to prevent getting stung in your yard or garden.
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Although this might reduce the number of bees in your garden, many other stinging insects are attracted to flowers and other plants.
8. One effective way to prevent bee stings is to use an insect spray or repellent.
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Insect repellents, including those containing DEET, have no effect on bees, hornets, or wasps. Use a repellent to keep away mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, or biting flies.
9. Wasps often sting for no reason.
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Wasps, as well as bees and hornets, sting when they are threatened. They usually sting to protect their nest. Don't make sudden movements when they are flying near you to avoid being stung.
10. If you accidentally disturb a bee nest, you should stand perfectly still so the bees will leave you alone.
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You should get away as quickly as possible, particularly if a bee has stung you. A honeybee's sting releases an alarm and the other bees from the hive are more likely to sting you.
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