Blog What Should I Do For a Wasp Sting?

Wasps can be scary. Especially when there’s an angry swarm nearby. However, not all types of wasps sting. There are two types of wasps: social and solitary. Social wasps—like yellow jackets and hornets—sting and have no problem ruining your picnic.

If you do end up on the receiving end of a sting, don't panic. Treating a local reaction to a sting is simple. From cleaning the affected area with apple cider vinegar to relieving the pain with ice, there are several easy at-home remedies that can ease your discomfort.

Why Do Wasps Sting?

Wasps aren't out to get you, but they will sting when they feel threatened. A wasp's stinger contains venom and is used purely for self-defense. If you get stung by a wasp, it might be because they are:

• Protecting: If a female wasp feels her home is under attack, she will protect the nest with her stinger. This means male wasps don’t sting. Wasps will attack in a large number, as well. When they sense a threat, they release a pheromone that calls on the rest of the soldier wasps.
• Agitated: When humans are swatting at wasps or spraying them with chemicals, the wasps will get frustrated and attack.

Do Wasps Die After They Sting?

No. Wasp stingers are designed to be used over and over again. Bees die after stinging because their stingers are barbed at the end. Once a bee takes off after stinging someone, the stinger stays in the flesh of the prey and disembowels the bee. A wasp stinger is smooth and stays attached to the wasp—it retracts into the body and extends as long as the wasp is alive.

What are the Symptoms of a Wasp Sting?

A wasp’s stinger contains venom that is transmitted to humans during a sting. For most people, the venom will cause pain and irritation with a quick recovery. But others can experience an extremely serious allergic reaction. Your symptoms will depend on what type of reaction you’re having.

A Local Reaction

This reaction happens when you are not allergic to wasp venom. You will probably see a red welt where the sting occurred. You may also see a white mark in the middle of the welt where the stinger entered your skin. The sting will hurt, but the pain and swelling will lessen within several hours.

A Large Local Reaction

This is a sign of an allergic reaction to the wasp sting without a life-threatening symptom like anaphylactic shock, for example. The symptoms of a large local reaction include extreme redness that increases for several days after being stung as well as nausea and vomiting.

Anaphylaxis Reaction

This is by far the most severe allergic reaction to a wasp sting. Anaphylaxis happens when your body goes into shock in response to wasp venom. It’s important to seek immediate emergency medical care to treat it. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:

• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Hives in areas of the body not affected by the sting
• Difficulty breathing such as wheezing or gasping
• Dizziness
• Weak or racing pulse
• Drop in blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If any of these symptoms are present after a wasp sting, it’s important to seek emergency medical help as soon as possible.

What Should I Do For a Wasp Sting?

If you are experiencing a normal local reaction, treating a wasp sting is simple. Try these at-home remedies to reduce your discomfort:

• Apple cider vinegar. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the sting.
• Lemon juice. Soak a cotton swab in lemon juice and apply it to the sting.
• Ice. Wrap ice in a towel or cloth and apply it to the sting every 20 minutes or so. This should help relieve some of the pain.
• Honey. Apply a small amount to the sting and cover with a loose bandage for about an hour. This will help reduce pain and itching while helping heal the wound.
• Baking soda. To reduce pain and swelling, apply a thick layer of baking soda paste to the sting and cover with a bandage for at least 15 minutes.
• Antihistamine and ibuprofen. Take as needed for itching, swelling, and pain relief.

It’s important to pay attention to your symptoms after being stung by a wasp. Remember, if you are experiencing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, call emergency services. If your sting is painful but local, then try our at-home remedies to reduce your pain and discomfort.

Avoid Stings by Keeping Wasps at Bay

Treating a sting is one thing, but if there’s an active nest on your property, the stings probably won’t stop at one. Wasp nest removal isn’t a great DIY project. Disturbing a nest, even accidentally, can trigger the colony's defense response, and a single agitated wasp can call in the rest of the nest within seconds. That’s why it’s important to get help from a professional pest control company.

When you call Plunkett's, a technician will inspect the property to locate active nests, including ones you may not have noticed. From there, they'll treat the nest directly and remove it when it's accessible to do so. Active nest treatments come with a 60-day guarantee on any nests treated in or around the home.

If you'd rather stay ahead of the problem, we also offer a preventative treatment that targets areas where wasps tend to build, before a nest ever forms.

Bald-Faced Hornet Nest

Wave Goodbye to Wasps: Get in Touch with Plunkett’s

If you have a wasp infestation in or near your home, get in touch with Plunkett’s. We’re here to rid your space of unwanted visitors and make your home feel as comfortable as possible!