Are certain insect stings more likely to produce an allergic reaction?
To avoid stinging insects, it is important to learn what they look like and where they live. Most sting reactions are caused by five types of insects: yellowjackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets, and fire ants. • Yellowjackets are black with yellow markings, and are found in various climates. Their papery nests are usually located underground but are sometimes found in the building walls, masonry cracks, or woodpiles. • Honeybees have a rounded, fuzzy body with dark brown coloring and yellow markings. Upon stinging, the honeybee usually leaves its barbed stinger in its victim; the bee dies as a result. They are not aggressive and will only sting when provoked. However, Africanized honeybees, or so-called “killer bees” found in the southwestern United States and South and Central America, are more aggressive and may sting in swarms. Domesticated honeybees live in man-made hives, while wild honeybees live in colonies or “honeycombs” in hollow trees or building cavities. Africanized ho
