Venom Landing

Insect sting allergy

Do buzzing bees and waspish wasps make you flinch? Read about the symptoms of insect allergy, how to find an allergist and what to do in an emergency.

Be prepared

When is insect sting allergy season?

Spring into fall (mostly).

Wasps are irritable and likely to sting after work in the hive is done in late summer. Yellow jackets behave so erratically then that scientists at this time of year call it “delirium”.

Bees will also sting in winter to defend the hive.

What does insect sting allergy look like?

A redder, more widespread swelling than usual may be an allergic reaction. People with insect sting allergy are also at risk of anaphylaxis. That can be life-threatening, which is why it’s important to get a diagnosis

Find an allergist

Did you know?

Wasps love the smell of banana while body odor makes bees very cross

Symptoms of insect stings

Normal effect of an insect sting

Pain, redness and slight puffiness less than four inches in diameter around where you were stung.

Symptoms usually calms down after a few hours but the itching may last several days.

Symptoms of insect stings

Severe local allergic reaction

Redness is often more intense (except on darker skin). So is the swelling; it’s often more than four inches (10.16 cm) across and could affect your whole arm or leg.

If symptoms worsen over 24-72 hours, you may need medical attention. They can last up to a week.

Symptoms of insect stings

Sudden and severe systemic allergic reaction affecting your whole body

The medical name is anaphylaxis.

Symptoms usually start 5 to 30 minutes after you’re stung – although it could be up to two hours later. They can include flushed or pale skin, a rash, diarrhea, nausea, swollen tongue and throat, breathing difficulties, weak or rapid pulse, low blood pressure, feeling dizzy and faint.

Find an allergist

Think you might be allergic to insect stings? Maybe you’ve had a worrying reaction in the past? We can help you find an allergist nearby. Then you can ask your doctor for a referral.

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Anaphylaxis vs anaphylactic shock

Both refer to the same type of sudden extreme allergic reaction (see above) that affects your whole body not just where you were stung. Shock is when your blood pressure falls. Both are life-threatening and require immediate medical treatment.

In case of emergencies…

You may be prescribed two epinephrine auto-injectors. Carry both at all times.

Use the auto-injector quickly. It works through clothing.

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.

To help blood flow to the heart and maintain blood pressure lie the person down with their legs elevated. Do not do this if they’re pregnant, struggling to breathe or unconscious.

If your symptoms haven’t improved, you experience a delayed secondary reaction after 5-15 minutes, and the ambulance hasn’t arrived, use your second auto-injector.

Read about insect sting allergy

Your allergy is our concern

We take allergy science and make it simple. Everyone has options on how they manage their allergy. We want you to know what they are so you can live the life you want.

What you need to know

Learning about your insect sting allergy will help you lessen the impact of the allergic symptoms on your life. Find expert articles written in a non-sciencey way, along with practical tips – for you and your family and anyone who can support you.