Multiple Wasp Stings: When Many Stings Becomes a Medical Emergency
Most people who get stung once or twice deal with pain and swelling for a few hours and move on. Multiple wasp stings are different. Getting stung many times at once, usually after disturbing a nest, can make someone seriously ill even if they’ve never had an allergic reaction. Here’s what health and extension sources say to watch for, and when to get help.
This article is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
Call 911 Right Away If You See These Signs
MedlinePlus lists allergic reaction symptoms that can follow a bee, wasp, hornet or yellowjacket sting, including swelling in the throat, lips, tongue and mouth, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, a severe drop in blood pressure, collapse, and hives (MedlinePlus). Ohio State University Extension adds difficulty swallowing, confusion or slurred speech, tightness in the throat and neck, and weakness leading to fainting as reasons to seek emergency care immediately (OSU Extension HYG-2075). If the person has a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, MedlinePlus says to use it right away.
When Multiple Wasp Stings Need Medical Care
Even without allergy symptoms, OSU Extension advises seeking medical attention if you’ve been stung more than ten times, or stung in the mouth or around the eyes. MedlinePlus also advises calling poison control or an emergency room if the person was stung inside the mouth or throat. The national Poison Help hotline is 1-800-222-1222.
The University of California IPM program explains why many stings at once matter. It describes “mass envenomation,” where a person is stung many times before getting away from a nest. Depending on the number of stings, the person may just hurt, feel a little sick or feel very sick, and UC IPM notes children are at greater risk than adults (UC IPM: Bee and Wasp Stings).
The Delayed Risk: Kidneys
UC IPM describes a second, potentially life-threatening problem that can show up days after many stings. Enzymes in the venom damage body cells, and the resulting debris has to be cleared by the kidneys. If too much builds up too quickly, the kidneys can become clogged. UC IPM notes wasp stings are as potent in this respect as bee stings, and that patients should be monitored for a week or two after an incident involving multiple stings. People who received many stings at once should talk with their doctor about this.
First Steps After Getting Away
- Get clear of the nest first. See do wasps chase you?
- Wash the stings with soap and water, as MedlinePlus recommends.
- Use ice wrapped in a cloth, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, per MedlinePlus.
- Remove rings and tight jewelry before swelling sets in.
- Count the stings if you can and note the time. MedlinePlus suggests having the person’s age, weight, condition, type of insect and time of the sting ready when you call for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a normal reaction last?
MedlinePlus notes people who aren’t allergic usually get better within a week.
What about a pet that was stung many times?
Call your veterinarian. Our post on kids and pets around nests has prevention tips.
How do I keep this from happening again?
Get the Nest Removed
Once everyone is safe, don’t go back to the nest. Call or text Northwest Ohio Wasp Removal at 419-614-6445, or use our contact page. If someone in the home has a sting allergy, tell us when you call. See emergency wasp removal for sting allergies and our wasp and hornet nest removal service.
