Question
My son works in landscaping and was stug by a ciadia wasp. Is this dangerous, or only concerning if you are allergic to bee stings?

Answer
Although capable of inflicting a painful sting, the female cicada killer wasp is usually difficult to provoke. Mating males are aggressive and more easily disturbed, but cannot sting.

Insect stings are normally characterized by moderate to severe pain, localized reddening and swelling, and occasionally even mild headache and fever. Treatment involves disinfecting the wounded area with soap and water. Meat tenderizer, which contains an enzyme that breaks down the venom, and/or a baking soda paste also may be applied to the sting site to help relieve pain. Several over-the-counter remedies also are available.

In allergic individuals, insect stings can cause a life-threatening systemic reaction which can rapidly lead to anaphylactic shock. Symptoms in these individuals usually appear within minutes after the sting. Localized swelling can be extensive with a hives-like condition occurring over the body. There also may be a choking sensation accompanied by difficult breathing and blueness in the lips and extremities. This may be followed by nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness. Should any of these symptoms appear following an insect sting, a physician should be consulted immediately.

Since I am allergic to wasp stings I take a Benadryl IF I get stung and this stops the swelling.