How should you remove a bee or hornet stinger?

How should you remove a bee or hornet stinger?

• A. Squeeze to remove venom.
• B. Pull with fingers.
• C. Heating the area.
• D. Scraping it out with the side of a knife blade.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is to remove the stinger without squeezing more venom into the skin. When a bee stings, the stinger and its venom sac can remain in the skin, and squeezing or pinching the area can push more venom in. Using a flat, dull edge to scrape the skin and lift the stinger out avoids squeezing the venom sac. The side of a knife blade (or a plastic card) provides a safe scraping edge for this quick removal. After the stinger is out, wash the area, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and watch for signs of allergic reaction. Avoid pulling with fingers or using heat, since those approaches can worsen irritation or push venom deeper.

The main idea is to remove the stinger without squeezing more venom into the skin. When a bee stings, the stinger and its venom sac can remain in the skin, and squeezing or pinching the area can push more venom in. Using a flat, dull edge to scrape the skin and lift the stinger out avoids squeezing the venom sac. The side of a knife blade (or a plastic card) provides a safe scraping edge for this quick removal. After the stinger is out, wash the area, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and watch for signs of allergic reaction. Avoid pulling with fingers or using heat, since those approaches can worsen irritation or push venom deeper.