Angry bee season is right around the corner!

As summer is coming to an end and fall approaches, bees and wasps become aggressive and are more likely to sting people if provoked. Yellow jackets are most angry and seek revenge since they are close to the end of their life cycle and approaching death. Bee stings are painful and potentially fatal if you’re allergic. Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent getting stung. 

AFC Urgent Care Springfield is here to help you avoid getting stung this angry bee season. However, if you do get stung, we can treat you too!

If an angry bee “bumps” into you, it means RUN!

If a bee “bumps” into you, it’s actually a warning sign for you to run and leave that area. It is most likely that you are near their hive. Bees are very protective of their hive and might think you are a predator, which means they will attack or “bump” you first. If running is your first instinct, then run like the wind. 

According to the CDC bees release a chemical when they sting. This chemical may attract other bees. We suggest you run indoors or go to your car as quickly as you can to avoid an angry bee attack.

Should I swat them or let them “BEE”?

Shooing or swatting at an angry bee does not keep these bees away. If a bee is killed, it releases the same chemicals as when they sting. This attracts other bees and heightens the chances of someone getting stung. This situation is not ideal, especially if you are with your loved ones and someone is allergic to bees.

What you should do is let it “bee”. Run indoors if they start swarming and coming after you!

Scrape the stinger out right away!

Please DO NOT tweeze. Scrape the stinger!

Removing the stinger  is not an easy task. Most people think that you need to squeeze or pull it out. We suggest you don’t do this to prevent the stinger from spreading any more venom into the afflicted area. Here’s what we suggest you to do immediately after getting stung by a bee:

• Use your fingernail or use a gauze to wipe it out or scrape the stinger out
• Apply a cold compress or ice
• Take tylenol or NSAID
• Apply topical ointment such as Neosporin for infection, and Caladryl (if necessary), to combat itching

Extra Tips: Avoid using tweezers to squeeze it out. You want to prevent squeezing more venom into the wound. Credit cards can also work!

How to soothe a bee sting

Irritation and itchiness are common symptoms to have after getting stung. You can reduce pain, itch and swelling of a bee sting with these at home remedies:

• Baking soda: Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the sting site. The alkaline nature of the baking soda helps to neutralize the acidity in the venom. 
• Vinegar is a sting soother. Use this trick to remember: Baking soda for bees (both at the beginning of the alphabet), vinegar for wasps (both at the end of the alphabet). 
• Toothpaste: This is a great remedy which works on the same alkaline/acidity premise as baking soda. 

Important steps to take if you or your loved one are highly allergic to bee stings

Everyone reacts differently to bee stings. What is the difference between a non allergic reaction and an allergic reaction? Some people have the normal, but minor soreness, itching and hives. Others who are allergic to bees can experience life threatening symptoms and situations.

It is important to always carry a bee sting kit, especially If you or your child is allergic to bees. This includes a bronchodilator epinephrine shot (Epipen) or inhaler, which will dilate the airways and allow your child to breathe. If the person has an allergic reaction, call 911 or bring them in to us as soon as possible. They will need to be treated immediately.

AFC Urgent Care Springfield can help treat you for bee stings

August and September means the end of a bee’s life cycle. In the coming weeks, you can expect to see more bees! We hope you don’t get stung, but if you do, we can help treat bee stings.

AFC Urgent Care Springfield, is ready to answer any questions or concerns regarding angry bee season and bee stings! We are open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and also 8am-5pm on the weekends. We also accept most insurances and we now take appointments as well!