![]() Other local reactions may be larger, more painful, and last longer. Most sting reactions are self-limited, result in a small area of local inflammation, and resolve within a few days. Vespidae (specifically hornets and yellow jackets) are likely the culprits in most situations due to their aggressive and territorial nature. Occupations that may increase the risk of exposure to these stings include, but are not limited to, construction workers, landscapers, entomologists, beekeepers, and exterminators, among others. Humans are most often stung by either accidental contact with a solitary worker (single sting from a single insect) or because they are near a disrupted nest (multiple stings from multiple insects). Hymenoptera stings can happen in any age group, and the insects are not selective to a particular gender. The venom is often applied to the eye or skin and can result in an allergic or anaphylactic shock. It is important to be aware that bee venom is also used in apitherapy. Other species in the Formicidae family also use stingers but are not found in the United States, so these are not included in this discussion. These ant colonies are most commonly found in the southeastern United States but are spreading fast and becoming more common in border areas. Fire ants ( Solenopsis) are aggressive species that use their pincer mandibles to latch on to their target and then use their stinger to administer multiple doses of venom. Most ants bite with pincer-shaped mandibles however, similar to the Apidae and Vespidae, some ants have developed the ability to sting with stingers in their abdomens. Unlike the Apidae, the Vespidae family does not have a barbed stinger and hence, can sting multiple times. Solitary wasps (mud wasps) usually make smaller nests in areas such as the sides of windows. Social wasps, including the yellow-jacket and hornet, commonly make larger nests in the ground (yellow jacket) or shrubbery/trees (hornet). They can be classified as solitary or social wasps. The Vespidae family (wasps, yellow jackets, hornets) are known to be more aggressive than their Apidae relatives. The Apidae family uses barbed stingers, which often remain attached to the skin after a single sting. ![]() ![]() They are an invasive species and account for many deaths associated with bee stings. These Killer Bees were introduced in Brazil in the 1950s but have since spread to other areas in South and North America (Southwestern United States). However, there is a subset of “Killer Bees” or “Africanized bees” that are very defensive, often aggressive, and tend to swarm. The Apidae family (honey bees, and bumblebees, among others) are usually not aggressive and only sting when threatened or provoked. ![]()
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