Ever been stung by a bee and wondered if it always leaves its stinger behind? Well, here’s the thing—only honey bees leave their stinger in your skin. Other bees and wasps don’t. That stuck stinger can keep pumping venom, which just adds to the pain.
Most people don’t realize honey bees have barbed stingers that get caught in your skin. When they try to fly away, the stinger—and even some of their insides—stay behind, which kills the bee.
Other bees and wasps? They’ve got smooth stingers. So, they can sting you more than once and nothing gets left behind.
Knowing which bees leave their stinger helps you figure out what to do if you get stung. Curious about which bees do what, and why? Let’s dive in.
Do Bees Always Leave a Stinger in You?
When a bee stings, you might wonder if the stinger always stays in your skin. It really depends on the kind of bee and the way its stinger works.
Some bees leave their stinger stuck in you. Others just sting and move on, keeping their stinger to use again.
Why Honey Bees Leave Their Stinger
Honey bees have barbed stingers that hook right into your skin. The barbs make it tough for the bee to pull back out.
When a honey bee stings, it leaves the stinger behind, along with parts of its own body. That’s why the bee dies afterward.
The stinger keeps pumping venom even after the bee’s gone. So, a honey bee sting can hurt longer and swell more.
If a honey bee stings you, get that stinger out fast. The sooner you remove it, the less venom gets in.
Stinger Differences Among Bees and Wasps
Not every bee leaves its stinger behind. Bumblebees can pull their stinger out and sting again.
Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets also have smooth stingers. They don’t get stuck, so they can sting you as many times as they want.
Here’s a quick look:
| Insect Type | Leaves Stinger Behind? | Can Sting Multiple Times? |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Bees | Yes | No |
| Bumblebees | No | Yes |
| Wasps | No | Yes |
| Yellow Jackets | No | Yes |
Wasps and yellow jackets tend to be more aggressive. They can sting over and over, which makes things pretty unpleasant if you run into a swarm.
What Happens After a Bee Sting
When a bee stings you, its stinger punctures your skin and injects venom. You’ll probably feel pain, see redness, and notice swelling or itching.
Honey bees, since they leave the stinger, can cause irritation that lasts longer. The venom keeps flowing until you remove the stinger.
If you spot the stinger, scrape it out with a fingernail or something flat, like a credit card. Try not to squeeze it, because that can push more venom in.
Once you’ve got it out, wash the area with soap and water. A cold pack helps with swelling.
Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets don’t usually leave a stinger behind. Their stings might hurt less over time, but getting stung multiple times can really ramp up the pain.
If you have trouble breathing or notice swelling spreading far from the sting, seek medical help right away.
How to Treat Stings When a Stinger Is Left Behind
If a bee leaves its stinger in your skin, act quickly. Getting the stinger out fast can really help with pain and swelling.
Take steps to ease the pain and itch, and know when to use stuff like Benadryl or ibuprofen. If you’re allergic, you’ll need to watch for serious reactions.
Safe Stinger Removal Methods
The stinger usually comes with a venom sac that keeps pumping venom. You want to get it out as soon as you can.
Try not to use your fingers or tweezers; squeezing might push more venom in.
Here’s what works best:
- Use a flat edge, like a credit card or your fingernail, and gently scrape the stinger out.
- Do it quickly—within a few minutes if possible.
- Don’t poke or dig at it.
Wash the spot with soap and water to help prevent infection.
Pain and Itch Relief
After you remove the stinger, focus on making the area feel better. A cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel can help numb the sting and lower swelling.
Other things you can try:
- Take a cool bath with baking soda if the pain spreads.
- Use over-the-counter creams, like hydrocortisone, for itch relief.
Keep the skin clean and try not to scratch it. That way, you lower the risk of infection.
When to Use Benadryl or Ibuprofen
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can help if you’re really itchy or have a mild allergic reaction. Take it if you need to calm down swelling or itch.
Ibuprofen works for pain and swelling. It cuts down inflammation and can help if the sting hurts or swelling starts to spread.
Always follow the directions on the package. If you have health concerns or take other medicines, it’s smart to check with your doctor first.
Recognizing Severe Allergic Reactions
Keep an eye out for serious symptoms—having trouble breathing, your face or throat swelling up, feeling dizzy, or noticing your heart racing. These could mean you’re dealing with a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
If you notice these signs, grab your epipen right away if you have one.
Call emergency services or get yourself to a hospital as fast as you can.
Even if you’re not sure about your allergies, acting quickly might just save your life.
If you’ve reacted badly before, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about carrying an epipen or getting allergy tests.
