Bees & Wasps

Bees are essential to the pollination cycle of many flowers and plants. As long as they're not swarming on your house, let them go about their business. Don't bother bees, and they won't bother you. However, if you find a swarm in your house, get professional help from a beekeeper or exterminator.

Allergic Reaction

Many people are allergic to the stings of bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, or fire ants, and the reaction can be life threatening. Emergency action is essential, because without prompt treatment the person may die. If any member of your family has this type of allergy, ask your doctor what procedure to follow in the event of stings.

Stings That Do Not Trigger Allergic Response

For stings that don't trigger an allergic reaction, there are numerous herbal and folk remedies. Try cutting an onion in half and pressing the cut side to the sting, holding it there for at least ten minutes. Onions contain an enzyme that break down the prostaglandins that form in response to a sting. Or try meat tenderizer, which contains an enzyme that breaks down proteins and stops pain and swelling if applied soon enough after a sting.