How to Get Bee Stingers Out

A bee or wasp sting is painful and troublesome. If you are allergic to these flying insects, a sting can even be deadly. Everyone gets stung by a bee at some point in their lives. The important thing to remember is to stay calm and get the stinger out. In most cases, after the stinger is removed, the affected area will heal on its own. If you have a more serious reaction, such as hives, a rash or extra redness, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Bandage
• Ice pack
• Soap and water (or rubbing alcohol)
• EpiPen (optional)
• Benedryl (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Leave the area of the incident immediately. Multiple bee stings are doubly painful and can lead to a trip to the ER for some.

• 2

  Remove the bee stinger as soon as possible. The longer the stinger is in contact with the skin, the more poison enters the body from the stinger. Use a pair of tweezers or your fingertips to squeeze the end and pull the stinger from the bite. There is no real difference between removing the stinger with your fingers or a pair tweezers.

• 3

  Clean the affected area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Cover with a bandage. You will not bleed a lot from a bee sting, but it is important to keep the area clean to avoid an infection.

• 4

  Apply ice to the affected area. This will help reduce swelling and inflammation. If you are allergic to bee stings, your doctor may have given you an epinephrine auto-injector (also called an EpiPen). Use as directed. If symptoms worsen seek medical attention.

• 5

  Visit a hospital if you think you are having an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Taking Benedryl may also help reduce the allergic reaction.