Yellow jacket stings can cause extreme pain, redness, swelling, and itching.
People with signs of anaphylaxisincluding hives, swelling, and breathing difficultiesneed an immediate injection ofepinephrineto avoidshockand even death.
Only females can sting.
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Yellow jackets are recognized by their distinctive markings.
A typical worker is about 1/2-inch long with alternating black and yellow bands on their abdomen.
Because of their size and coloration, yellowjackets and honey bees are sometimes mistaken for each other.
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Yellow jacket bodies are smooth.
Yellow jackets have longer, smooth legs.
Yellow jackets fly erratically and move in a side-to-side pattern before landing.
Yellow jackets often build nests in the ground (especiallyVespulaspecies).
Yellow jackets are aggressive and will chase you if threatened.
Honey bees are rounder with a thicker “waist.”
Honey bee bodies are fuzzy.
Honey bees have flattened, hairy hind legs that collect pollen.
Honey bees tend to fly in a straight pattern (a “bee-line”).
Burning, itching, redness, and swelling can last for several days.
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Unlikebees, a yellow jacket will not leave its stinger behind once you’ve been stung.
As such, you won’t need topull out the stingeras you might with a bee.
Anaphylaxis is considered a medical emergency.
Symptoms tend to appear within two hours of a sting and, in some people, almost immediately.
When provoked, the insects release chemicals known aspheromonesthat recruit other yellow jackets to join in on the assault.
It takes around 1,500 stings to kill an adult male, particularly those with a low body weight.
A child may be killed by as few as 300 strings.
It can also help you sleep if the pain and itching is particularly severe.
Emergency Treatment
Without exception, anaphylaxis is treated as a medical emergency.
The treatment starts with an injection ofepinephrine (adrenaline)to help counter the allergic response.
Provoking them with smoke and insecticides may increase your chances of being stung.
Yellow jacket nests require removal by trained pest control specialists.
Some people experience an anaphylactic reaction to a yellow jacket sting, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Uncomplicated stings can be treated with ice, topical steroids, and OTC pain relievers.
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