Bees and wasps are a natural part of summertime. Whether you’re at a park picnic, working in the garden, or enjoying ice cream outdoors, you’ve likely seen one buzzing nearby. For most people, a sting from a bee or wasp is painful—but not dangerous. However, for some individuals, especially children with insect sting allergies, a single sting can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

This guide is designed to help parents and caregivers understand the risks, spot the warning signs, and take action if a bee or wasp sting causes a severe reaction.

What’s the Difference Between Bees and Wasps?

Bees are round, fuzzy, and often have golden-yellow coloring. They’re less aggressive and usually sting only when provoked. A honeybee can only sting once.
Wasps (including yellow jackets and hornets) have slimmer bodies, brighter markings, and can sting multiple times. They’re more likely to become aggressive, especially around food.

Understanding which insect stung your child can help doctors determine treatment and risks for future stings.

What Is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid allergic reaction that can affect multiple systems in the body. It can occur within minutes after a sting and is considered a medical emergency.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis Include:

Trouble breathing or wheezing
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Hives or itchy rash
Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain
Dizziness or fainting
Rapid or weak pulse
A sense of doom or confusion

If you suspect anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately and use an epinephrine auto-injector (like EpiPen) if available.

Why Do Some People React Severely?

Bee and wasp venom contains proteins that can trigger an overreaction from the immune system in certain individuals. For someone with an insect sting allergy, even a small amount of venom can cause the immune system to release large amounts of histamine—leading to serious symptoms very quickly.

Risk factors include:

A previous allergic reaction to a sting
A history of other allergies or asthma
Having a family history of anaphylaxis

If your child has ever had a strong reaction to a sting—even if it wasn’t full-blown anaphylaxis—talk to your doctor or allergist.

What to Do If Your Child Is Stung

If your child is stung and has no history of allergies, follow these steps:

Stay calm and reassure your child.
Remove the stinger (if it’s a bee sting) by scraping it with a credit card.
Wash the area with soap and water.
Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
Give age-appropriate pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
Use an antihistamine (like Benadryl) for itching or mild swelling.

If your child shows any symptoms of anaphylaxis, do the following:

Use an epinephrine auto-injector immediately.
Call 911 and tell them your child is having an allergic reaction.
Lay your child down and elevate their legs unless they are having trouble breathing (then they should sit upright).
Keep your child calm and wait for help to arrive.

Time matters—epinephrine is the most effective treatment and should be given at the first sign of a severe reaction.

Preventing Stings: Smart Safety Tips

While it’s impossible to completely avoid bees and wasps, there are ways to reduce the risk of getting stung:

Do:

Dress your child in light-colored clothing (bright colors and floral prints attract insects).
Have them wear shoes outdoors.
Pack snacks in sealed containers.
Teach your child to stay still and move away slowly if a bee or wasp is nearby.
Keep garbage bins covered, especially at picnics or parks.

Don’t:

Don’t let your child drink from open cans or bottles outdoors—wasps often crawl inside.
Don’t allow them to swat or wave arms wildly—this can make the insect more aggressive.

Allergy Testing and Treatment

If your child has had a reaction before or you’re concerned about the risk, talk to an allergist. Testing can determine if your child is allergic to bee or wasp venom. If so, your child may be prescribed:

An epinephrine auto-injector to carry at all times
Antihistamines for milder symptoms
Allergy immunotherapy (venom desensitization) – a long-term treatment that reduces the risk of a severe reaction

What to Keep in Your Bag or Car

Here’s a quick list of what to carry if your child is at risk for allergic reactions:

Epinephrine auto-injector (check expiration dates regularly)
Antihistamine (chewable or liquid)
Emergency action plan (from your doctor or allergist)
Medical ID bracelet or tag for your child
A list of symptoms to watch for

What to Teach Your Child and Family

Make sure your child knows to tell an adult right away if they’re stung.
Practice with a trainer epinephrine pen (ask your doctor for one) so older kids can learn how to use it.
Inform teachers, babysitters, camp staff, and relatives about your child’s allergy and what to do in an emergency.

Final Thoughts

Bee and wasp stings are common, but for some children, they can be dangerous. The good news? With awareness, preparation, and education, you can keep your child safe and confident outdoors.

Remember, your calm, informed approach helps your child feel empowered—not fearful—when it comes to dealing with bugs and bites.

For more family health tips, allergy-friendly ideas, and easy safety guides, follow along and subscribe to the blog.