This post was written by Heather Willison, MSN, FNP-C, PPG Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

As the saying goes, April showers will bring May flowers, which often attract bees and other insects. While stinging insects do not pose a problem for everyone, an estimated 2 million Americans are allergic to the venom produced by stinging insects. As we head further into spring, its important to know how to handle a sting and the best ways to decrease the chance of being stung in the first place.

Most stings will likely result in pain, redness, itching and swelling around the sting site. This is a normal response and should not typically be cause for concern. If it is a bee sting, they likely left behind a stinger full of venom. To properly remove a stinger, youll want to follow these steps:

Generally, there can be significant swelling from an insect sting, which can be alarming at first glance. But its important to note that this response is considered a large local reaction, and the swelling usually peaks around 48 hours and completely goes away within a week.

As stated earlier, it is possible to be allergic to the venom from a stinging insect, resulting in a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. If this happens, you or the individual who was stung should go to the Emergency Department if they experience any of the following symptoms:

For anyone with an allergy to stinging insects, it is crucial to keep injectable epinephrine on hand and to wear a medical alert bracelet so that others know of the life-threatening allergy. A medical provider must prescribe injectable epinephrine.

While not foolproof, there are measures and safety precautions you can take to decrease your risk of getting stung by a bee, wasp or hornet. A few tried and true tips to keep you safe this summer include:

Furthermore, knowing where the different types of stinging insects like to dwell can be helpful. Honeybees live in and around a honeycomb structure or hive. Yellowjackets reside in nests they build in the ground or old logs and walls. Hornets and wasps make their homes in bushes, trees, and sometimes on buildings.

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What to do if you are stung by an insect - Parkview Health