Wasps have stingers without barbs, and they can sting repeatedly. The honey bee has a barbed stinger and can sting only once, leaving the stinger at the site. When stung by a honey bee, a person should carefully remove the stinger by using a scraping action from the side, Any squeezing will force more venom under the skin, Bee and wasp venom produces lethal or narcotic effects in the insects intended as food. Stinging is also a defense mechanism. People who know they are sensitive to stings should take the necessary precautions.
Insect sting kits are available with a physician's prescription.
The following precautions should be taken when treating bee or wasp nests, Z Wear protective clothing with a bee veil if possible. Z Make the treatment at night when the insects will be inside the nest. Z Use a flashlight covered with red cellophane for lighting. Z Treat the nests ONLY with insecticides labeled for use on bees and wasps. The number of honey bee colonies increases by dividing, called swarming.