A bee sting is usually a minor problem for most people. It hurts for a little bit, but there are no major effects. There are two situations where this may not be true. Some people are especially sensitive to bee stings or, they may develop a life-threatening allergic reaction. Prompt emergency care may save their life. Do the following for the usual bee, wasp, hornet, fire ant or yellow jacket sting:
* Scrape off the stinger using a credit card or the edge of a fingernail or knife blade. Do not squeeze the stinger with your nails or tweezers or you may inject more venom.
* Wash and dry the area thoroughly.
* Apply a cold pack. Wrap an ice bag in a cloth and apply to the stung area. This reduces pain and swelling.
* Apply Calamine lotion, a lotion containing Benadryl, or a paste made of baking soda and water.
* Stay close to a phone for the next two hours. Reactions, if any, will take place within the first two hours.

If a person is known to have had allergic reactions to bee or other insect stings in the past, it is a more serious matter. Anyone can have an allergic reaction to a bee sting, even if they were stung before with no reaction. Allergic reactions to bee stings may include swelling around lips and eyes, rapid development of a rash, difficulty breathing, or signs of shock (pale skin, rapid pulse, and fainting). If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 immediately. Check to see if the person is carrying an emergency bee sting treatment kit. Follow the written directions to use it.

People with previous reactions to bee, wasp, hornet, fire ant or yellow jacket sting, should always carry a "bee-sting" kit, Epi-Pen or Ana-Kit. Avoid bright clothing and scented toiletries when outside. Hyposensitization, where small amounts of bee venom are given under a doctor's watch, may help decrease future sting reactions.

Africanized honeybees (often known as "killer bees") are more aggressive than the usual honeybee. These bees live in warm climates in the U.S., along the southern border. They may attack a person or animal in large numbers. If this happens, try to get into a building or a car for protection. Call the fire department immediately. They can spray foam onto the person, killing the bees. The victim will often require emergency room treatment.

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