Stinging Pest Allergic Reactions

All insects are capable of creating a real nuisance in or around your home. Those that have the potential to sting are among the worst. In addition to leaving you with painful bumps or welts that may itch or become infected, these pests can also cause potentially serious allergic reactions. At Pointe Pest Control, our pest professionals can help identify where stinging insects reside and eliminate them completely. It is important to be aware of the different types of stinging pests that can cause allergic reactions and what you can do to minimize the impact on your health. 
wasp allergic reactions

Common Stinging Insects that Can Cause Allergic Reactions

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) warns that there are a variety of different types of pests that can trigger allergic symptoms in humans. Insect bites, such as those from bed bugs, fleas, spiders, and mosquitoes, can cause swollen and itchy bumps that easily become infected. They can also cause allergic reactions, resulting in rashes and other symptoms. Pests such as cockroaches and mice may not present much of a bite risk, but their droppings can cause you to suffer allergies and asthma symptoms. 

Stinging insects are among the worst when it comes to creating problems in and around your home. They are also among the most likely for causing allergic reactions in victims. To protect the health and safety of your family, it is important to contact our pest control professionals immediately if you are experiencing problems with any of the following: 

  • Bees: While these are typically not aggressive and only bite when provoked, bee stings are one of the most common causes of allergic reactions. Look for them in trees, on the ceiling of your porch, or around windows, doorways, and along the siding. 
  • Wasps: Wasps can be aggressive, particularly if you get close to their nest. They form paperlike, circular hives in bushes or shrubs and around eaves or shutters. 
  • Yellowjackets: These are one of the more aggressive stinging insects and can be found in woodpiles and cracks in masonry. 
  • Hornets: Found in tree branches, shrubbery, or gables around your home, these will aggressively defend their territory and should be approached with extreme caution. 
  • Fire ants: Fire ants burrow tunnels in your yard and appear above ground in raised mounds. Their sting is painful and can leave welts that last for weeks. 

Signs of an Allergic Reaction to Stinging Insects

When carpenter bees and other types of insects sting, they inject you with a venom that can trigger your immune system. Healthline reports that the immune system can become over sensitized to certain types of bites, triggering a stronger reaction. This causes the release of antihistamines and other chemicals, producing allergy symptoms. Depending on the degree to which you are allergic, signs of a stinging insect allergy may include: 

  • Severe skin rashes and hives, often accompanied by intense itching;
  • Pain, swelling, and redness in the affected body part;
  • Swelling of the mouth, throat, or tongue;
  • Feeling light-headed or dizzy;
  • Nasua, vomiting, stomach cramps, or other digestive disorders;
  • Breathing issues, such as wheezing or having difficulty catching your breath. 

What to Do in the Event of an Allergic Reaction Caused by Stinging Insects

It is important to be aware that even if you were stung once by an insect and did not have an allergic reaction, this does not mean you won’t in the future. It can take your immune system time to develop an allergic response. In some cases, such as with yellowjackets or hornets, a single sting may not impact you. However, multiple stings could cause a reaction that has the potential to be life threatening.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to call in our pest control professionals. If you do get stung, follow these steps: 

  • Raise the affected body part above the level of the heart. This can help to keep the venom from spreading. 
  • Clean the area thoroughly and as soon as possible. 
  • Use an ice pack to reduce pain and the potential for swelling. 
  • Topical ointments and antihistamine tablets may help to relieve minor allergy symptoms. 
  • See a doctor immediately if symptoms are severe or if they persist for several days.  

Contact Our Stinging Pest Control Professionals

At Pointe Pest Control, we can protect you and your family against allergic reactions by eliminating stinging pests from around your home. Contact our local pest control specialists to get a free estimate today. 

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