Bee and Wasp Stings

[Watchman]

You’d have to look far and wide for someone who hasn’t been stung by an insect at one point or another. It’s not pleasant in any situation, but bees and wasps can inflict some real discomfort if you run afoul of them. In a small minority of cases, allergic reactions to the venom injected can be life-threatening, a condition known as “anaphylaxis.”

BEES AND WASPS

Most stinging insects belong to the order Hymenoptera, which includes wasps, bees, and ants. The stinger is considered a variation of what was originally an egg-laying apparatus, so only females can sting (all worker bees and wasps are female). Despite the most commonly-known stinging insects living in hives and colonies, most actually live solitary lives and are relatively peaceful if left undisturbed. The more social ones, like honey bees, hornets, and yellowjackets vigorously defend the nest, however, and some will register their annoyance in no uncertain terms if you interfere with their daily activities. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE