Stings: basic safety
A short page on purpose. We are a nature site, not a medical one. The advice below comes from the NHS (UK). Wherever you are, follow your own local health service.
Get urgent help for an allergic reaction
Call 999 (or your local emergency number) if lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly swell, or someone is struggling to breathe after a sting. NHS
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly, and insect stings can cause it. NHS
Most stings
The NHS says insect bites and stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days. NHS
If a bee sting is left in the skin, the NHS advises brushing or scraping it out sideways with a fingernail or the edge of a bank card, not tweezers, then washing with soap and water. NHS
For anything else, including pain, swelling or worries about a sting, read the NHS page on insect bites and stings or speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
Which bees sting?
Male bees cannot sting; only females can. BBCT Only honey bee workers have barbed stings, and queens' stings are smooth. Wikipedia Female bumblebees can sting more than once, but generally ignore people. Wikipedia Mason bees are docile and rarely sting, which makes them good garden pollinators. Wikipedia
This page is general information, not medical advice.