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