Bee, Wasp & Hornet Stings: Symptoms, First Aid Awareness & Allergy Considerations (Canada)

Bee stings are painful and can cause localized redness and swelling in most people. For individuals allergic to insect venom, stings may lead to a more serious reaction, including anaphylaxis. Wasps and hornets can also trigger allergic reactions and can sting more than once because they do not leave their stingers behind.

First Aid & Workplace Relevance

Many Canadians encounter stinging insects during outdoor work, gardening, camping, and recreation. Awareness helps people recognize symptoms, reduce panic, and support those with known allergies. Schools, camps, and workplaces often prepare anaphylaxis plans when participants live with venom allergies.

Scenario

At a weekend community cleanup event, a participant reached into a shrub and was stung by a bee. A trained first aid rescuer calmly moved them away from the area to avoid additional stings and checked for breathing difficulty or hives. The rescuer reminded the participant about their allergy history and confirmed they did not have a prescribed autoinjector. The sting site became red and tender but symptoms remained mild, and the participant went for medical advice later that day. Organizers reviewed environmental hazards before future events.

Bee vs. Wasp vs. Hornet Stings

People allergic to bees may also react to wasps or hornets.

Common Symptoms

Typical (non-allergic) reactions:

• Local pain at the sting site

• Redness or swelling

• Itching or burning sensation

Swelling may last more than a day in some cases.

Allergic reactions may include:

• Hives or widespread itching

• Facial or throat swelling

• Difficulty breathing or coughing

• Dizziness or feeling faint

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires emergency medical care.

First Aid Awareness

Public health and first aid education often highlight:

• Moving the person away from the insects to prevent repeated stings

• Removing visible bee stingers promptly (speed matters more than the method)

• Supporting the person to stay calm and monitor symptoms

• Checking for a personal allergy plan or prescribed autoinjector if they have known venom allergies

• Seeking prompt medical care if symptoms escalate or breathing becomes affected

People without allergies generally experience mild, localized reactions.

Prevention & Everyday Safety Tips

Individuals can reduce sting risks by:

• Avoiding sudden movements near nests or swarms

• Wearing closed shoes in grassy areas

• Checking drink containers outdoors

• Using caution when gardening or cleaning outdoor spaces

• Maintaining awareness during outdoor events

People with known venom allergies may carry epinephrine autoinjectors as prescribed and share allergy plans with others.

FAQ

Can a bee sting become dangerous without an allergy?
Multiple stings or stings in the mouth or throat can be concerning because of swelling or airway involvement. Medical assessment is recommended in those situations.

Do stingers need to be scraped out?
Many sources advise scraping, but research suggests the most important factor is removing the stinger quickly, regardless of technique.

Can wasps sting repeatedly?
Yes. Unlike bees, wasps and hornets do not leave their stingers in the skin.

Do children react differently?
Children may be more likely to swell or become upset, but severe allergic reactions are not exclusive to any age group.

Is anaphylaxis common after stings?
It is not common overall, but those with venom allergies may experience it and often carry prescribed emergency medications.

Educational Note

This information supports public education on insect stings, allergy awareness, and first aid considerations. It encourages calm responses and appropriate medical follow-up when symptoms are concerning.