First Aid For Wasp, Yellow Jacket, Hornet and Bee Stings

Stings by Wasps, Yellow Jackets, Hornets and Bees are very painful. The venom they inject causes welts, itching and tenderness or outright pain. Wasps, Yellow Jackets, Hornets and Bees can sting you multiple times. Only the Honey Bee can sting once. Yellow jackets are especially dangerous because when they sting their venom emits a scent which other Yellow jackets follow and sting you too.

Things You Will Need

1) If you are allergic seek emergency medical care.

2) Scrape the stinger out. Do not try to squeeze the stinger to make it come out. By squeezing you can break the tiny sac on the stinger and it will release more venom.

3) Use an antibacterial soap to thoroughly wash the area. Washing the area with an antibacterial soap will help to prevent an infection.

4) Wet the sting with plain water and rub a plain aspirin over it . Aspirin will help to reduce the pain and swelling. Do not use aspirin if you are allergic to it.

5) Place a thin cloth or towel over the area and apply an ice pack. Do not apply ice directly to your skin, you can damage your skin.

6) Apply meat tenderizer to your insect sting. Meat tenderizer will work to reduce pain, swelling and the itch of a sting. Meat tenderizer neutralizes the venom.

7) Dab a little ammonia on the sting. Use a cotton ball to gently dab the area. Ammonia will reduce the pain swelling and itch.

If you are stung by Wasps, Yellow Jackets, Hornets or bees run for cover before attempting treatment. Always call 911 for help if you are allergic to Wasp, Yellow Jacket, Hornet or Bee Stings.