A worker honey bee can leave its barbed sting apparatus in mammalian skin. The detached apparatus can continue delivering venom.
Act promptly
Move away from the bees, remove the visible stinger promptly, wash the area and apply a wrapped cold pack. Scraping with a fingernail or card is an option. Do not delay removal while searching for a particular tool.
Emergency: Trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, or faintness after a sting can indicate anaphylaxis. Use prescribed epinephrine immediately and call 911.
American Academy of Dermatology — Bee sting care
AAAAI — Stinging insect allergy
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VarroaDestructor.com · BeekeepersLibrary.com · Reviewed October 14, 2026