Bites & stings
Insect Bites and Stings
For most insect bites and stings, remove any sting, apply a cold compress and treat itching — but call 999 for signs of a severe allergic reaction.
When to call 999. Call 999 for any sign of anaphylaxis — swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, wheeze, feeling faint or collapse — or for a sting inside the mouth or throat. Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if the person has one.
What to do
- If a bee sting is left in the skin, brush or scrape it out sideways as soon as possible — do not squeeze it with tweezers, which can release more venom.
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress (ice wrapped in a cloth) for up to 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
- Raise the affected area if possible to limit swelling.
- For itching or discomfort, an antihistamine or a soothing cream can help.
- Watch closely for any signs of a severe allergic reaction, especially in the first 30 minutes.
Avoid
What not to do
Do not scratch the area, as this can lead to infection, and do not squeeze a bee sting out with tweezers. Do not ignore rapidly spreading swelling, breathing difficulty or feeling faint — treat these as an emergency.
Afterwards and while you wait
Most bites and stings settle within a day or two. See a doctor if there is spreading redness, increasing pain, pus or fever (possible infection), or if a large local reaction develops. Anyone who has had a severe reaction should carry adrenaline auto-injectors and see an allergy specialist.
Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.
Answers
Insect Bites and Stings: frequently asked questions
How do I remove a bee sting?
Scrape or brush it out sideways as soon as possible with a fingernail or the edge of a card. Avoid squeezing it with tweezers, which can push more venom into the skin.
When is an insect sting an emergency?
When it triggers a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty, wheeze or faintness — or when a sting is inside the mouth or throat. Call 999 and use an auto-injector if available.
Related
Other bites & stings first aid
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — first aid
- St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance
- Resuscitation Council UK (where relevant)
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