Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include itching and hives over large areas of the body, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea or diarrhea. In severe cases, a rapid fall in blood pressure may result in shock and loss of consciousness. If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms after an insect sting, obtain emergency medical treatment immediately. After your symptoms are treated in the emergency room, you should also obtain referral to an allergist to learn about treatment options. Identifying stinging insects To avoid stinging insects, it's important to learn what they look like and where they live.
Yellow jackets are black with yellow markings, and are found in various climates.
Their nests, which are made of a papier-mach material, are usually located underground, but can sometimes be found in the walls of frame buildings, cracks in masonry or woodpiles. Honeybees are nonaggressive and will only sting when provoked. Africanized honeybees may nest in holes in house frames, between fence posts, in old tires or holes in the ground, or other partially protected sites. Paper wasps' slender, elongated bodies are black, brown, or red with yellow markings. Their nests are also made of a paper-like material that forms a circular comb of cells which opens downward.