What’s Buzzing? How to Identify Insect Sting Allergy Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions This information has been reviewed and approved by Kanao Otsu, MD, MPH, and Carah B. Santos, MD (May 2017). Summary: What’s Buzzing? How to Identify Insect Sting Allergy Everyone reacts to insect stings, but when is it a severe allergy? Here’s what you need to know. Most Common Stinging Insects & Where They Live Honeybees — beehives Wasps and Hornets — bushes, trees and on buildings Yellow Jackets — ground, dirt mounds, old logs and walls Fire Ants — large mounds in open areas Harvester Ants — soil, moist areas, under wood, rocks, bricks Don’t approach or disturb the insect nests. Types of Reactions to Insect Stings Small Local Reaction Discomfort Pain Redness Swelling < 2 inches Treatment for small local reactions: Pain medicine, cold compress and ice. Large Local Reaction Exaggerated redness and swelling Gradually enlarges over 2 days Swelling is about 5 inches Swelling peaks at 48 hours Treatment for large local reactions: Pain medicine, cold compresses and elevation of sting if on extremity, antihistamines for itchiness. What Attracts Stinging Insects Dark Clothing – wear white or light colored clothing. Wear long pants and gloves when outside. Fragrances – Avoid the use of strong smelling perfume, cologne, hair oil, hair spray and lotions. Deodorant- Use unscented deodorant. Sweat – Rinse off perspiration. Food – Cover food and drinks at outdoor events as much as possible. Garbage – Cover outside garbage. Severe allergic reactions to an insect sting can be life-threatening. Call 911 if you experience a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting. Ask your doctor if allergy shots can reduce your risk of recurrent severe reactions. More Information on Allergies Insect Sting Allergy Diagnosing Insect Sting Allergy Symptoms of Insect Sting Allergy Treatments for Insect Sting Allergy Tips to Avoid and Treat Insect Stings Summer Allergy Tips What’s Making You Sneeze? How Do Allergies Develop? What Are Allergens? Types of Allergies Allergy Symptoms Diagnosing Allergies Treating Allergies Division of Pediatric Allergy & Clinical Immunology Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology Find a Doctor Make an Appointment Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: