When playing in wooded areas, children are at risk of bee stings, and in some cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Identifying different species of bees can aid in the treatment process for children.
How to Identify Different Types of Bees
Vespidae (Smooth-haired Bees): This family includes wasps, ground bees, and yellow jackets. Their smooth stingers are not barbed, allowing them to sting multiple times.
- The scientific name for the wasp is Vespa affinis. It has a slender body and abdomen with alternating black and yellow segments. The head is as wide as the thorax, not smooth, with many tiny pitted spots, and it has short, sparse, stiff hairs.
The wasp has alternating black and yellow segments. (Photo: Picture Insect).
Wasps typically build nests in open areas, on tree branches, or in bushes, and sometimes in attics. Their nests consist of multiple layers, resembling a ball or cabbage, with a wrinkled surface, which is why they are often colloquially referred to as “devil’s bees.”
Wasps feed on insects and spider larvae. When their nest is disturbed or threatened, worker wasps will sting humans or animals in defense. They are attracted to people wearing bright clothing, wearing perfume, or those who run away after provoking the nest.
- The ground bee, scientifically known as Vespa nigrithorax, is also called the paper wasp. This species can be identified by its black body with yellow spots, a brown end to its abdomen, and its head and thorax covered with brownish-yellow hairs. Its antennae are light brown, smooth, and hairless. Ground bees usually build their nests in bushes close to the ground, often in rotting wood.
The ground bee has a black body with yellow spots. (Photo: Research Gate).
- Yellow jackets: Yellow jackets are slender, long-bodied, and entirely yellow, building nests in trees or under thatched roofs.
Apidae (Furry Bees): This group includes honey bees, bumblebees, and carpenter bees. A characteristic of this group is that their stingers have barbs. Once they sting a victim, the stinger remains embedded in the skin, leading to the bee’s death. Each honey bee can only sting once.
- Honey bees: The back of a honey bee is covered in fuzzy hair, and the upper abdomen has brown bands alternating with black bands.
A close-up of a honey bee. (Photo: Bee and Blooms).
- Bumblebees: Bumblebees are characterized by a fuzzy back, with their neck and upper back being a bright yellow color, and their wings also being yellow.
The neck and upper back of a bumblebee are bright yellow. (Photo: Honey Bee Suit).
- Carpenter bees: Carpenter bees are large, round, and hairy, flying slowly and making a loud buzzing noise.
Carpenter bees fly slowly and create a loud noise. (Photo: Forest Pets).
How to Treat Bee Stings
Bee stings can be dangerous for both humans and animals. The toxins in bee venom, including Melittin, Phospholipase A and B, Hyaluronidase, Histamine, Serotonin, Acetylcholine, Acid Phosphatase, and Apamin, can cause kidney and liver damage, muscle breakdown, hemolysis, coagulation disorders, and lung damage leading to respiratory failure.
If stung by a bee, you can remove the stinger by gently scraping it out or using tweezers. Avoid squeezing with your fingers as this can spread the venom.
After removing the stinger, clean the sting area with soap and warm water, and apply a cold compress to the bite to reduce pain and swelling.
If any of the following symptoms occur after a bee sting, seek immediate medical attention:
- Hives
- Fatigue
- Cold extremities
- Dark or scant urination
- More than 10 stings from a wasp
To prevent bee stings, individuals should avoid wearing bright-colored clothing in rural or forested areas. Additionally, climbing trees or picking fruit should be avoided as these activities can lead to slips, falls, or provoke a bee nest. It is crucial to regularly monitor and clear any bee nests around the home and garden.
Dr. Nguyen Minh Tien
Deputy Director of Children’s Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City
