Treatment

Treating stings from Africanized bees is much the same as treating a common bee sting.

  • Keep the affected area below the heart.
  • If the stinger is still in the skin, remove it by gently scraping against it with your fingernail, a credit card, or a knife. Be careful not to squeeze the stinger. The venom sac still will be attached and you will inject additional venom into the area. Be sure to remove the venom sac.
  • Apply cold compresses to relieve pain and swelling, but do not apply ice directly.
  • If it becomes difficult to breathe, call 9-1-1.

Itching should quit within a few hours. If it persists beyond 2 days, or if signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction occur after an insect bite, you should be seen by a doctor.

Signs & Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

  • Burning pain and itching at the bite site
  • Itching on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
  • Itching on the neck and the groin
  • General body swelling
  • A nettle like rash over the entire body
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Faintness, weakness
  • Nausea
  • Shock
  • Unconsciousness