Can Wasps Leave Stingers in You?
WouterHaving a wasp sting is not pleasant. Although it is usually mild, it is still painful. If you have a history of allergic reactions to European wasp stings, you should avoid them. Medications, including pain relievers, may help reduce the pain. If you have a severe reaction, you should visit your doctor or emergency room.
Wasp stings are part of the Hymenoptera order. This order contains about 150,000 species. Wasps are attracted to sweet and perfumed things. They also like to nest in hollow areas of trees and structures. They prey on other insects and fruit. Unlike honeybees, they do not leave a barbed stinger in their victims.
A wasp sting is similar to a bee sting, but they are not the same. In the case of a bee sting, you will see a tiny black strand sticking out. It is most likely the venom sac.
A wasp sting will often produce a local reaction, which looks like a red, swollen area on your skin. This reaction may be mild and cause only pain or it may be severe and cause intense swelling.
You can treat a mild wasp sting at home with simple home remedies. You should wash the sting site with water and soap. Apply a cold pack to reduce the swelling and pain. You can also apply an alkaline solution of baking soda to help neutralize the venom.
If you experience a severe allergic reaction to your first wasp sting, you should seek immediate medical help. You may also need to take epinephrine to stop the allergic reaction. You should also stay with the person who was stung to monitor their reaction.
