All stinging insects, such as bees, wasp, hornets, and ants, have a similar type of venom treatment is more or less the same. Always be sure the stinger of the bee or wasp is removed from the wound. Then apply a weak solution of ordinary household ammonia. If very painful, some local anesthetic, such as procaine, may be injected around the sting. Small cubes of ice over the injured area will usually keep down the pain and reduce the swelling. Alternating hot and cold applications may be helpful in more severe cases.

Note: Some people are highly sensitive to bee venom and may have to be desensitized by special treatment in hospital.