Bees, wasps, bumblebees and hornets: whose bite is more dangerous?

August and September are the time to collect sweet fruits and berries, and it is during this period that the activity of stinging insects begins. The aroma of fresh fruit attracts bees, wasps, bumblebees and hornets. However, unfortunately, these insects have stinging weapons. Let's look at how and when a bite occurs, how to treat bites and how to get rid of insects in your home or area.

Why do bees sting?

Bees are not by nature aggressive creatures. They use their stings only as a last resort - to protect themselves from potential danger. When faced with a threat in the form of attempts to enter the hive or accidental touch, bees may sting. However, it should be noted that each bee is capable of stinging only once. After the attack, its sting comes off along with the poisonous sac and a piece of the abdomen, which leads to the inevitable death of the bee.

Why do wasps sting?

Unlike bees, wasps are predatory insects and are highly aggressive. They may attack for no apparent reason, and their bites may be repeated. Wasps also have strong jaws, known as mandibles or mandibles, which add additional defenses.

Particularly dangerous are wasp stings, which, in addition to pain, can cause harm through injected poison. Wounds from wasp stings are very painful, and the allergen contained in their venom poses the greatest danger to people with diabetes. Thus, interactions with wasps require extreme caution due to their aggressive behavior and the potential negative consequences of their stings.

Why do bumblebees sting?

Close relatives of bees also show aggression only when threatened, however, unlike bees, they are capable of stinging several times. Female bumblebees have the ability to complain, while males, for the most part, pose minimal danger. The “bites” of bumblebees are considered less painful than those of bees, and their sting is not jagged, unlike a bee’s.

Bumblebees use their stings solely to protect their nests, and under normal conditions pose a minimal threat. However, they may react to strong odors of alcohol or perfume, as well as bright blue clothing, which can provoke aggressive behavior. Thus, interaction with bumblebees also requires caution, especially in the presence of factors that can trigger their defensive response.

Why do hornets sting?

Hornets are large insects with a body up to 4 cm long. Unlike many other insects, they have the ability to sting, similar to bees, but this only happens if their nest is threatened. Hornets, in order to protect their nest, make special sounds, warning of possible danger.

The “sting” of a hornet is characterized by an extremely painful experience, and as a result of the attack, up to 2 mg of poison can enter the human body, which can cause burns. What makes them especially dangerous is that hornets are capable of attacking their prey several times in a row. Additionally, due to their diet of carrion and protein waste, they can easily transmit infections through their bites, increasing the danger of interaction with them. Thus, hornets pose a significant risk and require caution to avoid unpleasant consequences.

When do stinging insects attack humans?

The main reason for the aggression of stinging insects is the threat to their hive. Almost all stinging insects exhibit aggressive behavior in defense of their nests. It is estimated that a person can survive up to 500 “bites,” but for one in a hundred, even a single bite can be fatal.

Among the most dangerous “bites” for humans are attacks from wasps, hornets, honey bees, gadflies and bumblebees. In people with hypersensitivity, these bites can cause a severe allergic reaction, and in some cases even anaphylactic shock, posing a serious threat to health and life. Because of this, it is important to maintain caution when interacting with stinging insects, especially for people prone to allergic reactions.

Reaction to “bites” of stinging insects

When an insect bites, a small amount of an allergenic substance enters the wound, causing redness, swelling and irritation that usually disappears within a few days. A strong or even life-threatening reaction to a “bite” is observed mainly in people with an allergic predisposition. It is important to note that bees, wasps and bumblebees do not inject irritating venom, and their “bite”, despite severe local pain, redness and swelling, is most often harmless.

However, there are certain scenarios when a bee, wasp or bumblebee “sting” can be dangerous:

1. If you are bitten several times at the same time, which may lead to a more severe reaction.
2. If you have an increased susceptibility to the “bites” of stinging insects and have an allergic profile.
3. If the bite occurs in the throat area, which can cause severe swelling that interferes with the airway.

Hornets, in turn, pose a particular threat because they are capable of “shooting” poison that causes severe burns when it comes into contact with the skin. Their "bites" can also cause shortness of breath and even pulmonary edema, making their attacks more serious and requiring extra caution.

What to do if you are stung by a bee, wasp, bumblebee or hornet?

1. Remove the sting quickly. If you find an insect bite, remove the sting immediately. Use the flat side of a knife or other hard object to do this. Glide carefully over the skin, not allowing the sting to penetrate further into the tissue.
2. Treat the wound with a mixture of ammonia and water. Place a tampon on the wound, previously soaked in a mixture of ammonia and water in a ratio of 1:5. This will help prevent the development of inflammation and relieve pain.
3. Carefully remove the sac of poison. To remove the venom sac, use a hard object to gently scrape it off. Avoid pulling on the pouch, as damaging it may cause more venom to be released into the wound.
4. Use an antihistamine for allergy sufferers. People prone to allergies are advised to take an antihistamine after a bite. This will help prevent possible allergic reactions. In addition, dandelion milky juice can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
5. Stay calm and drink plenty of hot drinks. It is important to give the body rest and support it with plenty of hot drinks. Rest promotes quick recovery, and hot drinks can help relieve possible symptoms.

Please note that if you experience any allergic reactions or severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

How to avoid “bites” from stinging insects?

1. Avoid leaving open sweet foods. Do not keep sweet fruits and desserts out in the open, especially during periods of peak insect activity. This will reduce the likelihood of attracting wasps and bees.
2. Beware of sugary drinks in open containers. Avoid drinking sugary drinks from cans and bottles left unattended on the table. A wasp can hide in them, posing a potential danger.
3. Choose less colorful clothing in nature. When visiting natural places, choose less bright clothing, as too bright colors can attract insects, especially hornets and wasps.
4. Avoid walking barefoot in meadows. Prevent potential insect bites by avoiding walking barefoot in meadows and flower fields where bees or wasps may be hiding.
5. Limit the use of strong floral perfumes. In summer, it is preferable to avoid strong floral scents, as they can attract insects. Switch to more neutral scents.

It is important to remember! Protect yourself from multiple wasp or bee stings. If a nest is discovered, do not attempt removal yourself to avoid attacking the entire hive. Keep a safe distance from the nest. In case of multiple bites, be sure to call an ambulance for the victim.

F.A.Q.

Which insect from the group of bees, wasps, bumblebees and hornets is considered the most aggressive?

Among these insects, hornets are often considered the most aggressive, especially when it comes to defending their nest.

How to distinguish a bee sting from a wasp or hornet sting?

Bee and wasp stings usually cause localized pain, but a bee's sting comes off while a wasp's sting remains, allowing them to sting multiple times. A hornet sting is characterized by a more severe pain sensation.

What are the main risks after being bitten by these insects?

When stung by a bee, wasp, bumblebee or hornet, an allergic reaction may occur, especially in people prone to allergies. Wasps and hornets can be more dangerous due to their ability to sting multiple times and secrete venom.