by a yellowjacket coming back from my trail run today. I had the window down and something whizzed by my head, I kinda ducked a little and when I sat back I trapped it between me and the seat. So it stung me in the middle of my back. Believe it or not this is the first bee sting I have ever had, been gotten by wasps and hornets before but never a bee. Should I do anything? it is sore and red but really no big deal. I don’t believe there is a stinger in there. It is not hot or tight or anything.
If you were allergic, you would know right away. Give it time and it’ll go away in a bit.
In college I was riding my bike to class and swallowed a bee, stinging me in the back of the throat. I rode home and plucked out the stinger using a flashlight and a pair of tweezers. Shortly afterward I had a HUGE headache/sore throat and went to the student health center. I was very happy not to be allergic to bees that day as the doc told me that I probably would have died if that were the case. He gave me some painkillers and sent me home.
Bees stink.
I’ve been stung twice while on the bike, once through my shorts during a race! That was annoying.
-Colin
That’s completely weird because I went running at lunchtime and got stung today as well! Didn’t even feel the little bastard land, just felt the pain, killed him , and pulled out the stinger… 
I actually looked this up earlier for myself. Apparently a beesting really is no big deal unless you’re allergic.
First Aid
Bee Stings
The danger of bee stings:
The two greatest risks from most insect stings are allergic reaction (which occasionally, in some individuals could be fatal) and infection (more common and less serious).
What to do if you are stung:
If you have been stung by a bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket, follow these instructions closely:
* Bees leave behind a stinger attached to a venom sac. Do not try to pull it out as this may release more venom; instead gently scrape it out with a blunt-edged object, such as a credit card or dull knife.
* Wash the area carefully with soap and water. This should be continued several times a day until the skin is healed.
* Apply a cold or ice pack, wrapped in cloth for a few minutes.
* Apply a paste of baking soda and water and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
* Take acetaminophen for pain.
Other remedies for pain and itching may include:
* dabbing on a tiny amount of household ammonia.
Over-the-counter products which contain ammonia are also available for insect stings.
* taking an over-the-counter antihistamine, if approved by your physician.
Be sure to follow dosage instructions for children.
When to seek medical attention:
Seek immediate medical attention if you are stung in the mouth or nose as swelling may block airways. Also seek emergency care if any of the following symptoms are present, as these could indicate an allergic reaction:
* large areas of swelling
* abnormal breathing
* tightness in throat or chest
* dizziness
* hives
* fainting
* nausea or vomiting
* persistent pain or swelling
Just be ready with a phone if you start to feel your throat constricting or have difficulty breathing. If you were fine enough to post a message, you are probably well past any issues.
One thing though, a small one but a peeve of mine: yellowjackets and bees are two distinct insects. I know, I know, but it is about like comparing a hawk to a parrot to me. If it had been a bee you would likely have had a stinger in there.
Yellowjackets, hornets, wasps are close. Bees are another family all together.
One thing though, a small one but a peeve of mine: yellowjackets and bees are two distinct insects. I know, I know, but it is about like comparing a hawk to a parrot to me. If it had been a bee you would likely have had a stinger in there.
Sorry, I know the difference but couldn’t5 remember if a yellow jacket also left a stinger. Thanks for the correction 
my friend got stung a few days before Vineman…right between the eyes!!
They may be different families, but they do have many similarities. The big one for me being that I am allergic to ALL of them. I don’t know if some people have sensitivities to one group and not another, but if I get stung by any of them I swell up like Martin Short in that movie (I can’t remember the name)…kj
That’s completely weird because I went running at lunchtime and got stung today as well! Didn’t even feel the little bastard land, just felt the pain, killed him , and pulled out the stinger…
That is too much of a coincidence. It must be the same bee.
Yep, people do have varying reactions to different species. The venom and the way it reacts in any given person is pretty complex.
There is a process of de-sensitization that you can undergo that can help those who are at real risk for severe reaction. You can search on the Web or ask your doc for info.
Here’s a link to get you started:
Thanks, I’ll check that out. I haven’t been stung in years, but I always worry a bit, especially out on a ride to Waikoloa where there is nothing but lava for miles. I carry a bunch of benadryl with me, but I’m not sure how effective that would be if I got stung on my throat or somewhere that swelling could restrict my breating…kj
This is what a yellow jacket stuck is your helmet can do. The swelling got bigger and bigger and started moving down my head to my neck as the day went on. I have been stung so many times now my training partners call me Bee Boy.
Dave