Stinging insects send more than 500,000 Americans to the emergency room every year. Between 50 and 100 people die from bee or wasp stings annually. Stinging insects (such as yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, scorpions, etc.) are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than biting insects (mosquitoes, horseflies, spiders, bedbugs, and biting flies).

Most stings do not require emergency medical care. A small number of people do, however, develop severe allergic reactions to insect stings. Allergic reactions to stings occur very quickly, usually within minutes. Severe reactions, although rare, can be rapidly fatal if untreated. A severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis occurs in 0.5 – 5% of the U.S. population as a result of insect stings.

Common symptoms include: Red, swollen, or a warm lump, Hives , Rash, or Itching, tingling, numbness, burning, tenderness, and pain.

Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) occur when symptoms spread. These can include difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, fever, muscle spasms, or loss of consciousness. If any of these symptoms occur, call for emergency medical help right away.

Allow your Active Home Solutions technician to control and prevent stinging insects in and around your home.