Wasp sting — what to do?
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
Cool the sting site immediately and watch how it reacts. Local swelling and redness are normal. If a sting with a venom sac is left in the skin, scrape it out sideways rather than squeezing it. In case of breathing difficulties, swelling of the throat, hives across the whole body or dizziness, call the emergency number 144 straight away.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. If you experience difficulty breathing or swelling around the throat, call 144 immediately.
A wasp sting is unpleasant, but for most people it is harmless. What matters is treating the sting site correctly and spotting the possible warning signs of an allergic reaction early. This article is not a substitute for medical advice.
What to do immediately
- Cool it: Put something cool on the sting site straight away, for example a cool pack or a damp cloth. This eases the swelling and the pain.
- Check for a sting: Only a bee’s sting stays in the skin together with its venom sac. Scrape it out sideways with a bank card or your fingernail — never squeeze it or pull it out with tweezers, otherwise additional venom from the venom sac enters the wound. With a wasp sting this step does not apply, as the smooth sting does not stay behind.
- Watch it: Local swelling, redness and itching around the sting site are normal reactions. Over the first 30 minutes, watch out for any further symptoms.
- Stay calm: Avoid hectic movements near other wasps so that you do not get stung again.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical advice if the swelling is unusually severe, spreads over several days, or if you already know that you have an insect venom allergy. Stings in the mouth or throat — after drinking from a can outdoors, for instance — should always be assessed by a doctor, as swelling there can narrow the airways. If an allergy is known, immunotherapy (hyposensitisation) can significantly reduce the risk of future reactions; discuss this option with your doctor.
Warning signs of anaphylaxis — call 144 immediately
The following symptoms constitute a medical emergency:
- Breathing difficulties or wheezing
- Swelling of the throat area
- Hives or a rash across the whole body
- Dizziness, nausea or circulatory collapse
In this case, call the emergency number 144 immediately. If an adrenaline auto-injector is available and you know how it is used, it should be administered according to medical instructions while waiting for the ambulance service.
For more background on how to tell these insects apart safely, see our guides “Wasp or bee?” and “Identifying wasp species in Switzerland”.
Frequently asked questions
Is swelling after a wasp sting normal?
Yes, local swelling and redness around the sting site is a normal reaction of the body. As a rule it subsides on its own within a few days.
How do I correctly remove a sting that is stuck in the skin?
Only a bee sting leaves the sting with its venom sac stuck in the skin. Scrape it out sideways with a card or your fingernail — do not squeeze it, otherwise additional venom enters the wound.
How do I recognise a dangerous allergic reaction?
Warning signs are breathing difficulties, swelling of the throat area, hives across the whole body, dizziness or circulatory collapse. In this case call the emergency number 144 immediately.
When should I see a doctor after a sting?
Always after stings in the mouth or throat, likewise if you have a known insect venom allergy or if the swelling is unusually severe or is spreading.