Stinging Insects
The Battlefield Equestrian Society
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Stinging InsectsThe Battlefield Equestrian Society |
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Bee PreparedBees, Wasps, Yellow Jackets, Hornets By Deb Johnson Hymenoptera is the fancy name, or order, for honey bees, yellow jackets, yellow hornets, wasps and bald faced hornets. It is estimated, however, that there are over 300,000 species of Hymenoptera in the world. Approximately 120,000 have been identified by scientists. To the equestrian these are of particular importance because of the outdoor nature of the sport. Not only is the horse impacted by these stinging insects, but so is the rider. It is important to be able to identify the insects, know their habits, know the perils, and know how to treat horse and human, if stung.
If Stung If a stinger stays in your skin remove it gently. Do not squeeze it as this may inject more venom. It is recommended that a credit card or similar object be used in a scraping motion to flick the stinger out. Mild stings can be treated with a baking soda paste, a cold, wet compress, ice cubes, meat tenderizer, and calamine lotion to reduce the inflammation and swelling, or a hydrocortisone cream that can be purchased over the counter. Consult your doctor for the best recommendation.
Allergy to Insect Stings Allergic reactions to the venom of hymenoptera can be life threatening to some. A reaction can be so severe that an individual can die within minutes. At least 1 in 50 people are allergic to insects of the hymenoptera family. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
Anaphylaxis is an IgE antibody response to different antigens. The reaction is systemic, not localized to one spot. The response is quick usually beginning minutes or seconds after an allergen is encountered. It can close down the breathing passages and ultimately result in cardiovascular collapse and death. Individuals who have had an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis have a 60% chance of a similar or more severe reaction if stung again. Mixed scientific information appeared on this while I was researching for this article; however, I prefer to use caution. I happen to be allergic to hymenoptera so I am presently taking mixed vespid allergy shots from my allergist. The procedure takes 5 years for life time immunity. It is done progressively in an allergist's office. Within the first 3 months of shots I had some immunity. I carry an epi-Pen (epinephrine) on my person when riding, along with 2 allegra, 2 singulair, (both antihistamines) and 6 steroid type pills, a bottle of water, and a cell phone pre-programmed for help. I also tell my riding partners about this problem and give them instructions on how to inject me in my thigh with the epi-Pen, if necessary. Life threatening allergies can progress very rapidly, once stung. Immediate medical attention must be sought as one dose of epinephrine might not be enough. It buys about 15 minutes.
Venom Immunotherapy Venom immunotherapy is a long term treatment which has proven to be highly effective against future allergic reactions to insect stings. An allergist with expertise in this area first does a special blood test to make a diagnosis. If allergic, and it is deemed prudent, small doses of venom are gradually given. This stimulates the immune system to reduce the risk of future fatal reactions. I am presently in my third year. It has taken a tremendous burden off when I ride. A medic alert bracelet should also be worn indicating the allergy.
Avoid Stings Know that insect repellents DO NOT work against these stinging insects. However, in Borneo, we were told by our guide that pure eucalyptus tree extract does work and I wore it in the jungle the entire time. No stinging insects got near me and there were many out there. I have purchased it here and use it while riding. Common sense ways to avoid stings:
Stinging Insects and Color Stinging insects are attracted to bright colors such as red, yellow, and orange. They are also attracted to patterns, particularly floral patterns. BLACK and dark brown are one of their favorite colors. In fact, they are so attracted to black that stinging insects may attack your eyes, nostrils, ears, or mouth because of those black holes. That goes for your horse, too. They are also more attracted to darker horses. White repels stinging insects. Blue soothes them.
Happy Trail Riding I have found that when trail riding usually the lead horse disturbs the nests and the horses in the rear get most of the stings. Have a plan if attacked. Yell out bees and move out of the area as quickly as possible. The stinging insects often chase for about one fifth of a mile. Have something in your first aid kit for your horse as well as yourself. The vet can make a recommendation about this. I carry a topical steroid cream from the drug store, in my pack. I also carry alcohol pads to wipe off the stung areas. Banamine paste is always in my pack. The horses usually endure well from the stings; however, it is always best to check in with the vet. Again, I caution to be careful what colors are worn on a trail ride. More information is available on the Merck Veterinary Manual website. |
Honey bees are easily identifiable. They collect pollen and bring it back to the hive to make honey. They tend to be less aggressive unless their nest is threatened, or unless accidentally stepped on with bare feet. They like the clover. Once stung, a honey bee will die. It deposits its stinger in its victim. There is the fear that killer bees, which are extremely aggressive, will mix with our docile United States honey bee. Authorities are trying to stop this migration.
Bumble bee: Larger than the honey bee, usually ¾" to 1 ½" and generally black and yellow, hairy, collect and carry pollen on their hind legs. They are found foraging at flowers, around homes, sheds, and barns. Bumble bees are docile and unaggressive when foraging flowers, but vicious when their nests are disturbed. (Refer to picture)
Wasp: Paper wasps are about 1 inch long. They have slender bodies with long legs and a slender waist. Their color varies from golden brown or darker. Sometimes they have patches of red or yellow on them. Paper wasps prefer to live near trees-orchards or vineyards-and hang their paper like nests in protected areas. Each nest hangs like an open umbrella from a stalk. Most of these paper wasps are considered unaggressive. Wasps can, however, sting repeatedly because they keep their stingers.
Yellow jackets are by far the most aggressive and most troubling of this group to horse back riders and horses. These insects often nest in the ground and defend their nests with great gusto when disturbed. They can also sting repeatedly and frequently do. Unlike honey bees, they keep their stingers. Yellow jackets often use old rodent holes to build their nests, they nest in rotten tree stumps, along river banks, and in houses, and they are also aerial nesters in trees. Yellow jackets tend to be medium sized and have yellow bands around a black background. They have a very short, narrow waist. As the season progresses and colony numbers increase food becomes scarcer. In the fall they become scavengers and frequent picnic areas, barbecues, garbage cans, etc.
Bald-faced hornet, white faced hornet, yellow hornet, aerial yellow jacket: While researching these insects I discovered that they are not really hornets at all, but are wasps, or at least it would seem so. These insects live in wooded regions, and make large nests from chewed wood pulp, of a paper-like material. At times, their nests can get as large as a football. The nests are often seen hanging from trees and buildings. These insects are only aggressive if threatened but will vigorously defend their nests if bothered.