The risk of bee stings can be reduced by avoiding areas where bees feed or congregate (fields with flowers, blooming trees, and bird baths). Children should be taught to recognize and avoid ant beds. If a child is stung, remove the stinger, if present, using a scraping motion with a plastic card or fingernail. Apply ice or cold compresses periodically for 8-10 hours to minimize the swelling. Benadryl will help relieve itching and swelling. The application of a teaspoon of moistened papain (Adolf’s Meat Tenderizer) for 15 minutes may neutralize some of the toxin, but will not aid ant bites. Most children will develop a local reaction of swelling, redness, and warmth. Stings on the hand or foot can cause swelling of the entire hand or foot. A sting near the eye may cause the eyelid to swell shut. Contact a physician if the child develops generalized rash, wheezing, hoarseness, facial or tongue swelling, faintness or for any signs of infection.

Signs of wound infection include yellow fluid drainage, redness of surrounding skin, red streaks radiating from the wound, increasing pain, or significant fever.