Walk outside on a summer day, and it's likely you'll see at least one bee or wasp. Both insects can deliver a painful sting, but are they really that bad? Let's take a closer look at the differences between bee and wasp stings to find out which is worse.

 AFC Urgent Care Bedford can help patients with any insect sting. As long as symptoms are not at the emergency level, our medical providers can provide relief. Learn more about insect stings and visit us for any urgent medical condition today. 

What do wasps look like?

Most wasps are yellow and black, but some can be red and black or even entirely black. They have two sets of wings and a narrow "waist" that connects their thorax to their abdomen. Wasps range in size from about 3 to 25 mm.

What do bees look like?

Bees are usually hairy and brown or black, with yellow stripes. They have two sets of wings and a thick body that tapers down to a narrow "waist." Bees range in size from about 2 to 20 mm.

What is the difference between a wasp sting and a bee sting?

Wasp sting:

The pain from a wasp sting is similar to that of a bee sting. However, some people may have a more severe reaction to a wasp sting than a bee sting, and a small number of people may even go into anaphylactic shock.

Bee sting:

The pain from a bee sting is sharp and immediate. For most people, the pain subsides after a few minutes. However, some people may have a more severe reaction to a bee sting, and a small number of people may even go into anaphylactic shock.

So, which is worse?

There is no easy answer when it comes to deciding which sting is worse. For some people, a wasp sting may be more painful than a bee sting. For others, the opposite may be true. And for some people, the two stings may cause similar levels of pain.

If you are allergic to bee or wasp stings, it is important to carry an EpiPen with you at all times in case of an emergency. If you are stung and have a severe reaction, seek medical help immediately.

So, are wasp stings worse than bee stings? The answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. While both types of stings can be painful and cause swelling, the venom in wasps is typically more potent. This means that you may experience greater symptoms after being stung by a wasp. In addition to knowing how to treat a sting, it's also helpful to know how to avoid them in the first place. AFC Bedford is here to help you do just that.