First aid: Laypeople
This is relevant for all animals belonging to Hymenopterans (Bees, Wasps and Ants).
General problems
Known Hymenoptera allergy?
Other preexisting conditions and medications of relevance.
Individuals who have experienced a reaction to a hymenoptera sting in the past should consult with an allergist to determine which preventive measures are most appropriate to avoid complications in the event of another sting.
Emergency treatment in non allergic-individuals with only local reactions
Local pain, itching, circumscribed local swelling.
Local application of ice/cold packs.
Emergency treatment for stings in the oral cavity
- Seek medical assistance immediately due to the risk of laryngeal oedema and suffocation.
- If available: administer emergency medications the person may carry with her / him (known allergic individuals).
Emergency treatment of a hymenoptera sting where the victim is known to have an allergy with cardiovascular and respiratory reactions.
- Application of the emergency medication the person should always carry with her/him.
- Seek medical assistance.
Follow recommendations of the latest evidence-based authoritzed Guidelines / Guidance:
- Cardona V, Ansotegui IJ, Ebisawa M, El-Gamal Y, Fernandez Rivas M, Fineman S, Geller M, Gonzalez-Estrada A, Greenberger PA, Sanchez Borges M, Senna G, Sheikh A, Tanno LK, Thong BY, Turner PJ, Worm M. World allergy organization anaphylaxis guidance 2020. World Allergy Organ J. 2020 Oct 30;13(10):100472. PMID: 33204386; PMCID: PMC7607509.
- Sturm GJ, Schadelbauer E, Marta G, Bonadonna P, Kosnik M. Risk Factors for Severe Sting Reactions and Side Effects During Venom Immunotherapy. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2025 Jan;13(1):17-23.Epub 2024 Aug 20. PMID: 39173970.
- Stoevesandt J, Sturm GJ, Bonadonna P, Oude Elberink JNG, Trautmann A. Risk factors and indicators of severe systemic insect sting reactions. Allergy. 2020 Mar;75(3):535-545. Epub 2019 Jul 16. PMID: 31194889.
Local treatment Sting, including the surrounding reaction.
- Disinfection.of the wound(s)
- Check tetanus protection.
Average time between the sting and death
- Death due to an allergic reaction: in most cases following a single sting within minutes to <1 h (Barnard 1973, Mosbech 1983, Somerville et al. 1975)
- Death due to a toxic reaction (multiple stings): hours to days.