Bee and Wasp Stings

Bad Bugs Slideshow

• Bee and Wasp Stings Overview
• Bee and Wasp Stings Causes
• Bee and Wasp Stings Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Bee and Wasp Stings Treatment
  • Self-Care at Home
  • Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Bee and Wasp Stings Overview

Although many different types of insects in the United States are able to inflict a poisonous bite or sting (meaning they are venomous), the insects most likely to cause medical problems are bees (including the domestic honey bee, its Africanized "killer bee" race, and the bumble bee), wasps (including paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets), and ants (including the fire ant). These insects are all in the Hymenoptera order, and thus stings from them are occasionally called Hymenoptera stings.

Because many of these species live in colonies, if one stings you, you may be stung by many. Although most stings cause only minor medical problems, some stings may cause serious medical problems and even death.