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Ouch! Avoiding, treating yellowjacket stings
Avoiding yellowjacket stings
- Above all, stay calm. Move slowly so the insect won't feel threatened.
- If a yellowjacket lands on you, carefully brush it off or simply wait for it to fly away. Hitting it may cause it to sting.
- Do not smash a yellowjacket. Crushing one may cause others in the area to attack.
- Before you take a sip of your fruit juice or soda, look inside your cup. Yellowjackets are attracted to the sugary liquids. It is a good idea to use a straw and keep a lid on your drink at all times.
First aid for stings
If the sting is in the mouth or throat, call 911 immediately and apply ice. Swelling in those areas can cause suffocation.
Hypersensitive people should be taken to an emergency room. This includes anyone who experiences dizziness, respiratory reactions or color changes. An antihistamine such as Benadryl can slow symptoms if it is given immediately. Keep the body part that was stung above the heart.
For all others, general first aid principles apply. Wash the area around the sting and apply antiseptic. This removes some of the venom. Apply ice or commercial products designed to relieve the pain of stings. You can also apply a paste of meat tenderizer and water, which breaks down the venom, easing pain and swelling. Antihistamines can offer some relief from pain and swelling, as well. After a sting, the victim should rest. Do not use sedatives.
For more information on yellowjackets, please visit the University of Florida's School IPM Web site (http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu). Click on Technical Information - Pests, then select "IPM for Yellowjackets and Hornets in Schools." Follow the link under the heading "Nest Disturbance" for tips on how to avoid and treat stings.
Edited by: Angela Brammer, University of Florida
