myths and facts about stinging insects

Patricia Carroll, RN,BC, CEN, RRT, MS

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Test Your Knowledge About Summer Insects

Stinging insects can transform an afternoon of summer fun to tears and fears as children and adults alike try to avoid the dreaded stings. For some people stings hurt for a little while and go away; but for others, the sting of an insect can cause an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. 

Myths and Facts

Myth or Fact? All stinging insects are essentially the same

Myth or Fact? Some people are just going to get stung, and there's little you can do about it.

Myth or Fact? If a stinger is left behind, don't remove it with tweezers

Myth or Fact? A paste made from meat tenderizer will soothe the site of the sting

Some Basics to Start

If stinging insects are nearby, stand still or move very slowly away from them. Don't swing your arms or move quickly because those motions can provoke an attack. Never crush an insect because that could release a special "alarm scent" that will mobilize nearby insects --  particularly yellow jackets -- to attack.  

Now to the quiz!

Are All Stinging Insects the Same?

Myth!

There are four types of stinging insects: bees, yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets.  Bees are the only insects that leave their stinger behind -- they can only sting once. Other insects can sting more than once if they are trapped in clothing, for example.

Think about whether the clothing you choose could trap a yellow jacket or wasp. If the insect gets trapped, it can sting you repeatedly. You might want to stay away from oversized "big shirts" or flowing fabrics in which an insect could get tangled as well as sandals and other open-toed shoes or mules that might allow an insect to get stuck under your foot. Wear closed shoes such as sneakers or deck shoes instead.

Some People's Chemistry Attracts Stinging Insects and There's Nothing You Can Do About It

Myth!

Unlike mosquitoes that either love you or stay away (and unfortunately, they love me too much!) you can take measures to keep stinging insects away from you.

Very simply, they are drawn to flowers where they collect pollen. So, step one is not to confuse the insect into thinking you (or your children) are flowers! That means:

• Dress in solid, neutral colors such as white or khaki or navy.
• Stay away from floral patterns and floral colors like yellow, hot pink, orange, and bright green.
• Don't use scented products that may draw the insects near as does the scent of a flower -- avoid perfume, and scented soaps, sun screen, hair care products, and body powders and choose unscented versions of personal care products (Hint: children's formulas are often unscented and work just fine on adults).

Next, use common sense when outdoors. Never try to burn or flood an insect nest with water because you probably won't kill the insects; instead, they will feel threatened, become aggressive and more likely to sting. Be particularly careful when mowing the grass -- you don't want to accidentally step on a nest, which will stir up the insects and provoke stinging.  

If you're having a cookout or picnic, keep food covered until it's time to eat. Fresh fruit and soft drinks are particularly likely to attract insects -- they like the sugar.  Uncovered garbage after the meal is particularly attractive to yellow jackets. Never drink out of a can of soda or beer -- I've taken care of patients who swallowed the stinging insect that flew into their drink and stung them in the mouth or throat on the way down. Pour your drink into a cup so you can see what you're swallowing or use a covered cup with a straw.

If You're Stung...And a Stinger is Left Behind, Don't Remove it With Tweezers

Fact!

If you are stung, remain calm. If you're with someone else who is stung, help maintain a calm atmosphere while you check out the situation. Don't crush insects, and slowly leave the area without swinging your arms.  Resist the urge to try to swat the insects away. 

Look at the site of the sting. If there is a stinger visible, the sting came from a bee. These stingers can pump venom into the skin for a few minutes, so you want to get rid of that stinger as soon as possible. Try to flick the stinger away with your fingernail, or scrape it away with something stiff such as a credit card or ID badge.  Pull it out only if the other methods don't work.

A Meat Tenderizer Paste Will Soothe the Sting Site

Fact!

To learn what to do if you're with someone having a serious allergic reaction from a sting, click here

It is true that a meat tenderizer paste helps draw out the venom -- add just enough water to the powder to make a paste (typically a few drops of water to a teaspoon of powder). Apply the paste to the area of the sting. Be sure to look for a tenderizer that contains papain -- that enzyme will help break down the venom.

Other do-it-yourself remedies that help relieve the redness, swelling, and itching of a sting include:

• Wash the area with soap and water (after removing the stinger, if necessary)
• Apply cold compresses, or ice from a cooler if that's all that's nearby (try to wrap the ice in a cloth so you're not putting it directly on the skin, which could cause frostbite)
• Take a pain reliever of your choice if needed.
• Use antiinflammatory creams or local anesthetics for additional relief, as needed

Insect stings don't have to be a part of your summer -- using common sense and dressing smartly can keep these pesky intruders at bay.  

Written: July 2003