Bee & Wasp Venom Allergy
Also known as: Hymenoptera venom allergy, Bee sting allergy, Wasp sting allergy
Most people experience local pain and swelling after a bee or wasp sting. But 1–3% have an allergy that triggers systemic reactions or anaphylaxis — a life-threatening emergency. Venom immunotherapy provides up to 95% protection against future severe reactions.
Category
Insect Venom
Severity
Can be Life-ThreateningPrevalence
1–3% of adults; responsible for a significant proportion of anaphylaxis deaths.
Emergency Information
Use adrenaline auto-injector immediately for systemic symptoms — do not wait to see how severe the reaction becomes. Call emergency services. Lie flat with legs raised unless breathing is difficult. Remove the bee stinger quickly by scraping (not squeezing) to reduce venom injection.
Symptoms
Airways & Breathing
- Throat tightening
- Stridor
- Severe bronchospasm
Skin
- Generalised urticaria
- Angioedema remote from sting site
Systemic / Other
- Anaphylaxis
- Loss of consciousness
- Hypotension
- Cardiovascular collapse
How It's Diagnosed
- Skin prick and intradermal tests to bee venom (phospholipase A2, Api m 1) and wasp venom (antigen 5, Ves v 5)
- Specific IgE to bee and wasp venom components
- Baseline serum tryptase — elevated tryptase suggests mastocytosis, which increases anaphylaxis risk
Avoidance Strategies
- Wear shoes and socks outdoors; avoid walking barefoot on grass
- Avoid brightly coloured or floral clothing and strong perfumes when outdoors
- Cover food and bins to avoid attracting wasps
- Stay calm around insects — sudden movement provokes stinging
- Carry an adrenaline auto-injector prescribed by your allergist
- Wear a medical alert bracelet identifying the allergy
Venom immunotherapy: highly effective
Venom immunotherapy (VIT) — a course of gradually increasing venom injections over 3–5 years — is one of the most effective allergy treatments available, providing up to 95% protection against systemic reactions to future stings.
It is strongly recommended for adults who have had systemic reactions to stings. Children are also candidates. VIT significantly improves quality of life and reduces anxiety around outdoor activities.
Bee vs wasp: important differences
Honey bee venom and wasp (yellow jacket) venom contain different proteins. Skin testing to each separately is important because many patients are allergic to only one. Some areas of the Middle East have high bee populations (date palm agriculture); wasps are common around food sources throughout the region.
After a sting, bees leave their barbed stinger in the skin; wasps do not and can sting multiple times.
Medical disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only. Allergy diagnosis and management must be carried out by a qualified allergist. Do not attempt to test yourself with suspected allergens. Always carry prescribed emergency medications and follow your written action plan.
Reviewed 2026-06-01 · Looms Medical Team