Do

1. Keep a quick-kill type of insecticide (such as Raid or Ortho) as an aerosol spray in (a) the kitchen to spray trash and garbage can areas, and (b) in the glove compartment of your car — there is more danger of an accident if a bee or wasp gets loose in the car than from the sting itself.
2. You have been provided with injectable Epinephrine (Adrenalin). Please follow the directions provided by your doctor.
3. If stung, check to see if the insect (a bee) has left the stinger in the skin. It will look like a black thorn or splinter. Carefully remove it using a pin or pointed knife by flicking it from the skin. Try to remove the stinger without squeezing more venom into the skin.
4. Apply ice or cold compresses to the site of the sting.
5. Go immediately to the nearest medical facility. If you are experiencing an allergic reaction and are alone, it is best to call 911 rather than drive yourself to the emergency room.
6. It is advised that you undergo a series of desensitization injections so that a bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket sting in the future will not cause a serious reaction. These shots are usually very effective.

Don't

1. Do not use scented preparations when going outdoors — hair tonics, after-shave lotions, hair spray, deodorant, perfume, bath powder, and floral odors especially attract bees.
2. Avoid wearing dark clothing (brown, black, or dark red) and floral prints. White is said to be the least insect-attracting color.
3. Avoid loose-fitting clothing such as head scarves and billowing skirts — a bee or wasp trapped in these may sting.
4. Never go barefoot or wear sandals outdoors. Bees especially like clover, and yellow jackets burrow in the ground.
5. Be aware of high-risk activities, including:
   1. Tampering in any way with wasp nests or yellow jacket burrows. Mowing the lawn, cutting flowers, trimming hedges, or painting a house may accidentally disturb them. Wasps may also nest on fences or boat docks.
   2. Handling trash or garbage cans, where wasps and yellow jackets search for food. Picnic grounds and clover fields are also favorite gathering places for these insects.
   3. Making halting, jerking, or fast movements of any kind when insects are nearby, as this may provoke a sting.

If you have any questions, contact our office: Omaha: 402-391-1800 Lincoln: 402-464-5969