5 Safe Ways to Remove Stingers

Nothing ruins a beautiful day outside like a surprise bee sting!  You may not see them at first, but if they see you and think you are a threat, they may attack.  Your best defense is to calmly and quietly move yourself away from them.  If you aren't lucky enough to stay off of their radar and do get stung, Best Pest Control at the Lake of the Ozarks has some advice on how to get that stinger out.

First of all, DO NOT use tweezers or pull it out with your fingertips.  A bee's sting doesn't stop releasing venom right away, and squeezing the stinger can possibly push more venom into your skin.  Scraping is the best way to remove a stinger. 

1. Tape

Kids especially like this one, because there is nothing scary about tape coming at you.  Place the tape over the stinger and gently pull away opposite the direction that the stinger entered rather than straight up.
   

2. Credit Card

Just about anything that is flat and sturdy will work (butter knife, nail file, etc...) If you are out and about enjoying a picnic when it happens, something from the basket or a purse may be the only tools you have handy.  Brush the skin with the edge of whatever you use so that the stinger catches onto it and slides out.

3. Fingernail

This is something that you will always have "handy."  (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Don't grab it, like mentioned earlier, but rub the skin until the stinger comes out. 

4. Needle

This can be used to scrape the skin around the stinger until it is dislodged. Remember to sterilize the needle with alcohol, boiling water, a lighter, or whatever you have handy.

5. Onion

We have not tried this one, but it was way too interesting to not mention.  There is an old wive's tale about using an onion to dislodge the stinger.  Supposedly the juices from the onion may break down some of the chemicals in the venom and relieve pain.  


If the swelling is bad, apply ice 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off until you can get to the stinger.  Once you have it completely out, immediately clean the area with soap and water.  Ibuprofen can be taken to ease pain.  A hydrocortisone cream is good for the itching, and a paste of baking soda and water can also offer relief. Another way to help with the discomfort is to apply a cold compress.   

Letting the best pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks treat your yard regularly is your first defense at keeping bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets away from your home.  The Lake of the Ozarks is too beautiful of an area to not get out and enjoy nature.  Don't let stinging insects keep you from that.  



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573-348-1600 in Lake Ozark
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