Stinging insects

Insect stings are uncomfortable and can often be distressing particularly if you get stung several times.

However, you can reduce the risk of being stung by getting rid of a wasp nest in or near your home, with the assistance of a pest control professional, whilst also taking some basic precautions when outdoors.

If you have any questions or queries relating to stinging insects or would like to setup a free inspection with a Rentokil technician, please contact us online or call 0800 736 865.

Insect stings vs insect bites

Insect stings should not be confused with insect bites. 

Stinging insects such as wasps and bees, will only sting you as an act of defense or when they believe you pose a threat to the colony or nest.

When it comes to stinging insects, only the females can sting. When a wasp stings she injects venom into or under your skin. This has an immediate effect, causing a sharp, burning sensation. The same can be said for bees.

It is the venom that people are allergic to rather than the stinging insects themselves.

While wasps sting to defend themselves, biting insects (such as bed bugs) attack to feed on your blood. To give the insect time to feed, insect bites have evolved so that the pain is not as sharp as a sting (although the bite of a horse fly is very painful), leaving the insect unnoticed whilst feeding upon you.

Wasp stings

Out of all the stinging insects, wasps are the most aggressive. They can sting you with little provocation.

However wasps won’t go out of their way to sting you. They will only sting if you either go too close to their nest, or you agitate them in some way.

Wasp sting treatment

The most common sting suffered from an insect is a wasp sting. These aggressive creatures have stung a fair share of people multiple times.

Wasp sting symptoms

• swelling to the site of the sting lasting more than 24hrs
• sharp burning pain
• itchiness
• visible welt where stinger punctured skin

How to treat a wasp sting

1. Clean the area with soap and water to remove the venom
2. Apply an ice pack to the sting to reduce the swelling
3. Take an antihistamine

Allergic reaction to wasp stings

Severe allergic reactions to wasp stings are referred to as “anaphylaxis”. Anaphylaxis occurs as a response to wasp venom, and happens very quickly. 

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a wasp sting

• Swelling of face, lips or throat
• Hives or itching areas of the body not affected by sting
• Wheezing
• Dizziness
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Weak or racing pulse