Do Bumble Bees Sting?

BY LINNEA 3 APRIL 2023

At some point, everyone wonders about the buzz of Bumble Bees.

They look friendly enough and seem to mind their business as they fly from flower to flower in search of food.

Luckily for us, exploring this topic can tell us more than just the answer to that question!

Bumble Bees stings are a common occurrence resulting from the bee’s defense mechanism.

What Is A Bumble Bees Sting?

No,  Unlike honey bees with barbs on their stingers that get stuck in their victim’s skin, a Bumble Bees’ stinger is smooth, allowing it to sting several times without getting stuck in the skin.

Is the sting fatal for the bee? 

The venom injected into the skin from the sting is responsible for the pain, itchiness, and swelling one experiences when stung by a Bumble Bee.  However, unlike the venom of other bees like the honey bee, Bumble Bees’ venom is not acidic, which makes it less painful.

Why does it hurt?

A Bumble Bee’s stinger has three parts – two lancets connected to muscles and a venom sac. When the bee decides to sting, the barbed lancets move in a zig-zag motion, creating a small tear in the victim’s skin.

How Do Bumble Bees Stingers Work?

Causes Of Bumble Bees Stings

Anything threatening a Bumble Bees’ safety and comfort can trigger them to sting, including threatening sounds, vibrations, or sudden movements.

If you get stung by Bumble Bees, you should first remove the stinger if it is still in the skin.

What To Do If A Bumble Bees Stings?

Next, wash the sting area with soap and water to prevent infection. You can also apply a cold compress, such as a bag of ice or a cold pack wrapped in a towel, to reduce swelling and pain.

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Swipe up to read the full article and learn about the Prevention Of Bumble Bees Stings

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