Are There Levels of Sting Reactions?
Posted by Mosquito SquadJuly 23, 2024
There are three types of reactions to scorpion, fire ant, bee, and wasp stings.
Humans and pets all have some type of sting reaction. There are typical reactions, as well as potentially life-threatening responses to stings, whether delivered by a wasp, hornet, bee, scorpion, or fire ant. Being allergic to wasp venom does not make you automatically allergic to bee venom. According to the National Institutes of Health, as the allergens in their venom are different, it is rare that those allergic to wasp venom are also allergic to bee venom. So, what are the three types of sting responses?
Level 1: Normal Reaction
A normal response to being stung by any Texas pest is the most typical response. This type of reaction includes pain, redness, swelling, and itching. These symptoms are localized to the sting site, and not widespread. This type of sting reaction can last from a few hours to a couple of days before subsiding.
Level 2: Large Local Reaction
This type of sting reaction happens less often than the normal reaction. A large local reaction includes pain, redness, swelling, and itching that extends well beyond the site of the actual sting. This means that if a person is stung on the hand, the physical response can spread up to the elbow or even their entire arm. A large, localized sting reaction usually lasts five to 10 days, peaking around the 48-hour mark.
Recommended treatment for this response:
- Gently scrape the sting site to rid the skin of the stinger if one is left behind.
- Wash the area with warm, soapy water.
- Apply a topical cream or ointment to address itching.
- Take an oral antihistamine to further address itching and swelling.
Level 3: Allergic Reaction*
About 2mm Americans are allergic to pest stings. Allergic reactions can include the typical pain, swelling, itching, and even large, local spread. What separates allergic reactions from the other two, are systemic responses, which can be life-threatening. These include…
- Warmth on the affected area of the sting
- Hives or pimple-like rash
- Facial swelling, or swelling of the tongue and throat
- Wheezing, trouble breathing
- Stomach pain or upset
- Anxiety, restlessness, rapid pulse
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Muscle twitching
*It is absolutely necessary to seek immediate medical intervention for allergic sting reactions.
What makes you susceptible to a severe allergic sting reaction?
Those, who have had prior severe sting reactions, are likely to experience an increase in intensity if they are stung in the future. Older individuals, and those with cardiovascular disease, are more likely to experience anaphylaxis, and most fatalities are reported to be adult males.
Search pest control Fort Worth and call Mosquito Squad.
The great news is that Mosquito Squad of Fort Worth can help you lower your chances of encountering stinging pests around your home. Our exterior pest control services include:
Call Mosquito Squad for a complimentary Fort Woth bug control assessment. Get in touch with us by filling out our form online or calling us at (817) 835-8694 for a free quote.