Brown-banded carder bee

Bombus humilis

Severity of bites

High

Severe damage. This can include life-threatening allergic reactions, transmission of serious diseases, or insects that have particularly painful or harmful bites or stings.

Description

Brown-banded carder bee has a distinctive foraging behavior, mainly feeding on nectar and pollen from red clover and vetches. As a beneficial pollinator, brown-banded carder bee poses no direct health risk to humans. However, its population decline, mainly due to habitat loss, could disrupt natural ecosystems. Well-adapted to grasslands, it displays a fascinating trait, establishing nests underground or in tussocks of grass.

What are the symptoms of a Brown-banded carder bee bite or sting?

Pain and Swelling

Brown-banded carder bee's sting, similar to most bee stings, can cause immediate pain and swelling. The extent of swelling can vary depending on the location of the sting and personal immune responses.

Redness

The sting area usually turns red, indicating a ratio-active immune response to the inflicted injury.

Itching

Post sting, the area might become itchy due to body's inflammatory response.

Allergic Reaction

In some individuals, an allergic reaction may occur, causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat and rapid heart rate. However, these severe reactions are relatively rare.

What are the treatments for a Brown-banded carder bee bite or sting?

Clean Sting Area

First aid for brown-banded carder bee sting includes cleaning the sting area with soap and water. This helps to prevent any secondary infections.

Cool Compress

Using a cold pack or cloth filled with ice can help reduce initial swelling and pain.

Allergic Reaction Handling

For those with severe allergies, a dose of epinephrine is typically administered, which is a prescription medication.

How to prevent a Brown-banded carder bee bite or sting?

Avoidance

Prevention of brown-banded carder bee stings can be best achieved by avoiding areas where they might live. This includes parts of the garden with abundant flowers or patches of long grass.

Protective Clothing

Wear protective clothing such as long pants, socks, and sleeves when working outdoors, especially in areas favorable for brown-banded carder bee.

Seal Homes and Buildings

Keep brown-banded carder bee outside by effectively sealing home or building entrances and windows.

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