How bee & wasp allergies work

If you’ve ever been stung by a bee or wasp, you know it hurts. But what you didn’t know initially is how your body would react. Venom from bee and wasp stings can cause reactions ranging from mild to severe. In some cases, a sting can induce an anaphylactic reaction, which could be life-threatening, although it is rare. Our experts weigh in on bee and wasp stings, particularly around how you'll react to a sting.

Myth: If you are allergic to bee stings, you are also allergic to wasp stings.

Result: Not true!

The venom in bee stings is different from the venom in wasp stings. Without getting too scientific, let’s just say they don’t share all of the same major allergen components. For example, the component melittin in bee venom may cause a reaction in some people, whereas the component antigen 5 in wasp venom will not. This is good news for the majority of people. However, some people will experience an allergic reaction to both.

What is the difference between bee and wasp venom?

Bee venom has a protein called melittin that causes pain, swelling, and redness. It also has other substances that can cause some people to have an allergic reaction.  If someone has a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling in the throat, or dizziness, they should seek emergency medical help right away. When a bee stings, it leaves its stinger in the skin and dies. The venom sac stays behind and keeps releasing venom.

Wasp venom is more complicated. It has different toxins that cause pain and irritation. It also has chemicals that can affect the nerves. Unlike bees, wasps can sting more than once because they don’t lose their stinger. This can make them more dangerous in some situations.

Most people who are allergic to wasp venom are not allergic to bee venom because the two venoms are quite different. However, it is still possible to be allergic to both. That’s why it’s important to fully understand how allergic reactions affect different people. 

Symptoms of bee & wasp sting allergies

When you get stung by a bee or wasp, your body reacts to the venom in different ways. For most people, the site of the sting is painful but not dangerous. However, some people can have stronger reactions, ranging from irritation to severe allergic responses that require emergency care. 

Each reaction has different symptoms and healing times, so understanding them can help you know what to expect. Knowing how your body responds to stinging pests is also important so you can take the right steps to reduce pain, swelling, and any risks of complications. Reactions can fall into three different categories.

 Mild allergic reactions

These will mainly affect the area of the skin that was punctured and can result in one or all of the following:

• Pain
• Swelling 
• Redness
• Itching

Mild or local reactions usually improve within a few hours to a couple of days. The swelling may increase slightly in the first 24 hours but should gradually go down. The sting area may feel tender for a few days, but the redness and swelling should reduce within a day or two. Using ice packs and keeping the area clean can help with pain and swelling.

Moderate allergic reactions

These follow similar symptoms to those of a mild reaction, however, symptoms tend to be more amplified and can take longer to heal. Expect reactions to be one or all of the following:

• Swelling around sting increases in diameter
• Severe redness

Moderate reactions can take five to ten days to heal fully. The swelling and redness may continue to spread for the first 48 hours before gradually improving. If the swelling keeps getting worse or you see signs of infection, like pus or worsening pain, it's important to check in with your doctor.

Severe allergic reactions

These reactions can spread all over the body, affecting the respiratory system and skin, this is known as anaphylaxis and results in some or all of the following:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Itching
• Faintness
• Sweating
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Tightness in chest
• Swollen throat or tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology says that severe allergic reactions to stings need immediate medical help. You may need epinephrine (adrenaline), which is usually given using an auto-injector, to stop the reaction. 

Even if you feel better after using the epinephrine, you may still need to go to the hospital for additional care - always consult with your medical provider if you aren’t sure. Some people may need to stay in the hospital for observation overnight to make sure their body fully recovers.

Will I always have the same reaction to a bee or wasp sting?

How your body reacts to a first-time sting isn’t necessarily indicative of how it’s going to react if you are stung again. It’s common for people to experience a mild reaction to the first-time sting and a more severe reaction to the second one. Although this is not true for everyone. There is always the risk that someone could be severely allergic to bees or wasps, even if they didn’t show symptoms the first time they were stung. 

According to the ACAAI, if you’ve had a severe reaction to a sting before, you have a 60% chance of having the same or worse reaction if stung again. 

What should I do if I have a reaction to a bee or wasp sting?

Minor symptoms can be treated with oral antihistamines. However, people prone to severe allergic reactions, with guidance from their medical provider, should carry emergency medication such as an epinephrine auto-injector. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s probably best to contact a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room.

How do I reduce my risk of being stung by stinging insects?

In the U.S., stinging insect allergies send 500,000 people to the emergency room annually.1 Don’t risk it being you or someone in your family. Western Exterminator has licensed bee control and wasp control technicians who can help remove nests in and around your home. Give us a call at 800-937-8398 for a free estimate and to learn more about our stinging insect control services.

Want to learn more about insect stings? Check out the top 5 most painful insect stings, here!

Frequently asked questions

¹Data sourced from the National Pest Management Association