Insects and Why They Are Dangerous
Insects are dangerous because they can carry diseases that can infect humans and animals. They can also cause physical damage to crops and property. Some insects, like bees and wasps, can sting or bite people and animals, causing pain and sometimes allergic reactions.
Different Types of Stinging Insects
There are a variety of stinging insects that can be found in North America. The most common type of stinging insect is the bee. There are three kinds of bees in North America: honeybees, bumblebees, and carpenter bees. Honeybees are the only kind of bee that lives in colonies. Bumblebees live in small groups or alone, and carpenter bees live alone. Another common type of stinging insect is the wasp. Wasps come in many different varieties, including yellow jackets, hornets, and paper wasps. Yellow jackets are the most aggressive type of wasp and are known to sting people who come near their nests. Hornets are larger than yellow jackets and usually only sting people if they feel threatened. Paper wasps build nests out of paper-like materials and typically only sting humans if they’re disturbed while working on their nests. Lastly, there are fire ants. Fire ants are red or black ants that have a painful sting. They live in large colonies and will attack anything that comes near their nest. Fire ants typically only attack humans if they’re trying to harm their nest in some way. If you get stung by any kind of insect, it’s important to clean the area with soap and water as soon as possible to prevent infection.
How to Do If You're Allergic to a Insect Sting
If you are allergic to an insect stings, there are a few things you can do to stay safe and keep the reaction under control. First, always carry an EpiPen with you in case of a severe reaction. Second, avoid areas where insects are known to nest or congregate. If you must be in an area that is likely to have insects, wear long sleeves and pants to cover your skin as much as possible. Third, take antihistamines before going into an area where you might be exposed to insects. This will help lessen the severity of any reaction. Finally, if you are stung by an insect, remove the stinger immediately and clean the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling.
