Bee, wasp, yellow jacket or hornet stings are a potential hazard for gardeners or anyone who spends time outdoors during the summer months. Its not much consolation to know that the sting of stinging insects is only used in self-defense or in defense of their nest.

While for most people a sting is painful, causing swelling and itching around the site of the stings, for others, a stinging insect can trigger an allergic reaction that can be deadly. About 40 to 100 deaths from insect venom are reported yearly in the United States, and approximately 9.5 million people are allergic.

Most people have been stung at one time or another during their lives and with only a localized reaction, but according to Dr. Joseph Petrusek, the first sting serves to sensitize a person and an anaphylactic reaction shows up with later stings.

A lot of people will say I was stung before and nothing happened. But its the second time or later when they have allergic reactions. Ive talked to people who have been stung 10 or 15 times and its the 16th time when they have a reaction, said Petrusek, an eye, ear nose and allergy specialist from La Grande.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives and itching all over the body, swelling of the mouth and/or throat, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and chest pain.

Petrusek said anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction from a bee or wasp sting should always carry an epi-pen a self-administered dose of epinephrine to be injected in the thigh in case of a sting, before seeking immediate emergency medical treatment. An epi-pen can be obtained by prescription from any physician.

A sting victim should immediately tell people around them so they can help in case of an allergic reaction.

Petrusek and his office staff not only test for all kind of allergies including for the venom of five kinds of stinging insects but also administer long-term treatment in the form of venom immunotherapy. It consists of a series of injections administered over a period of three to six months. By injecting tiny amounts of venom at a time, the bodys immune system gradually develops enough immunity that a sting will not be life-threatening.

Petrusek advises people to remain cool, calm and collected if a bee or hornet is near or crawling on you. It is much safer to stay still, let it sniff around and hope it leaves, Dr. Petrusek said.

Other recommendations to minimize chances of insect stings while outdoors, taken from a brochure of the Bee Aware educational program:

Avoid orchards in bloom, clover fields and any areas with a lot of flowers.

Wear light-colored clothing, as some stinging insects are attracted to bright colors.

Be careful on picnics or eating or drinking outdoors because stinging insects are attracted to sweet smells like soft drinks and fruit juices.

Avoid bare feet and ankles outdoors, as yellow jackets and some wasps make their nests on or near the ground.

Never slap or brush off a stinging insect, as they are more likely to sting when frightened by quick movements.