Hymenopteran Envenomation

The order Hymenoptera includes the bees, ants, and a diverse array of groups we commonly think of as "wasps." As most people were aware, many Hymenoptera can and do sting. In this chapter I will address the question of the hymenopteran sting. What is it? Which Hymenoptera sting? How does it cause pain? Is it dangerous? How can we avoid stings and treat those we do receive? Particularly important considerations are these human factors: how people relate to stinging Hymenoptera and envenomation (venom injection), and how the problem of envenomation can be approached in a rational and optimal fashion. Traditionally, stinging insects have been considered primarily a rural problem and not especially important in the urban environment. However, since suburban lifestyles complete with lawns, greenery and gardens are becoming a norm of American living, this is no longer true. Many stinging insects thrive among trees, shrubs, lawns and gardens and nest on, in, and near human dwellings surrounded by these environments. Moreover, outdoor parks and recreational areas frequently abound in stinging Hymenoptera. The purpose of this chapter is to place the urban problem of stinging Hymenoptera in perspective and to describe how entomology and recent developments in medical knowledge can help reduce the dangers from these insects.