A wasp sting can be a painful experience and, in some cases, hazardous to your health. Whether you’ve been stung while gardening, hiking, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, knowing the proper wasp sting first aid steps can help minimize your discomfort and prevent further complications.

The experts at Dewey Pest and Termite Control have years of experience wrangling wasps and other bothersome insects. In this guide, we’ll cover how to identify a wasp sting and ways to treat it effectively. If you ever have any concerns regarding a sting from a wasp or other insect, consult a medical professional or call 911 if you believe you’re experiencing a medical emergency.

How To Tell If You’ve Been Stung by a Wasp

Unlike bees, which die after stinging because their barbed stingers detach from their bodies, wasps have smooth stingers that allow them to sting multiple times. The most common symptoms of a wasp sting include swelling, a sharp, burning pain at the sting site, and a raised red welt.

Most wasp stings also cause mild itching or irritation, but for some individuals, they can trigger severe allergic reactions. If you suspect you or someone else is having an allergic reaction to a wasp sting, call 911 immediately.

Identifying Wasp Sting Allergic Reactions

A wasp sting allergic reaction can be life-threatening and should be taken seriously. Above all, understanding how to treat a wasp sting allergic reaction requires you to stay calm to ensure you’re in the best position to look for these signs of a wasp sting allergic reaction:

• Swelling in the face, throat, or tongue
• Rapid heartbeat or dizziness
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Hives or rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Trouble standing and fainting

Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else experiences these symptoms of a wasp sting allergic reaction. They may indicate the start of anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that requires emergency treatment with an epinephrine injection and immediate medical care.

How To Treat Wasp Stings

If you don’t identify signs of a wasp sting allergic reaction, you’re safe to move on to treating your sting. Here are some steps to take to relieve pain and stop swelling from wasp stings:

• Wash the sting site. Use soap and warm water to kill any bacteria and help prevent any potential infection.
• Apply a cold compress. Wrap an ice pack or a cloth-covered bag of ice around the sting for 10-15 minutes.
• Take pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease discomfort from a wasp sting.
• Treat further as needed. If itching or swelling becomes bothersome, taking an oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may provide relief.

Stopping Swelling From Wasp Stings

Swelling from wasp stings is common and can last for a few hours or even up to a few days. To minimize your discomfort, rest and elevate the affected area as much as possible. Avoid scratching the spot, as it will just make your inflammation worse. Applying a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can also help soothe irritation.

Home Remedies for Wasp Stings

For those who prefer a more natural approach, some home remedies for wasp stings can help alleviate symptoms. Applying a paste made from baking soda and water can help neutralize the venom, and dabbing apple cider vinegar on the sting may reduce swelling. Honey and aloe vera, with their natural anti-inflammatory properties, can also assist in healing.

Additionally, while it may sound silly, holding a slice of onion against the sting can draw out toxins and help swelling. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling sooner around your sting site.

When To See a Doctor for a Wasp Sting

Most stings improve within a few hours to a couple of days. However, consider seeing a doctor if swelling continues to worsen after 48 hours or if there are signs of infection like pus, redness, warmth at the sting site, or severe pain. Seeking medical attention is also important for children or adults stung multiple times, as they can suffer more intense reactions.

Preventing Wasp Stings

To reduce your chances of getting stung, wear light-colored clothing and avoid floral patterns when outdoors, as they can be a target for hungry wasps. Keep food, drinks, and garbage covered when eating outdoors, and avoid wearing strong fragrances like perfumes and scented lotions as well.

If a wasp approaches you, remain calm and slowly move away instead of swatting at it, as they likely won’t bother you if not provoked.

Partner With Dewey Pest and Termite Control for Wasp Control Services

While the sight of a wasp may be alarming, it’s important to remember they’re valuable members of our ecosystem. By dismantling common wasp myths and equipping yourself with the knowledge of how to treat wasp stings, you can put yourself in the best position to coexist as much as possible with these insects

Thankfully, if you do develop a problem with wasps, Dewey Pest and Termite Control is here to help. We offer reliable wasp control services for other pests that can treat your residential pest problems and commercial pest problems with urgency and thoroughness.

Contact Dewey Pest and Termite Control to buzz back against the wasps causing you trouble today!