The majority of insect stings come from wraps, yellow jackets, hornets and bees, and in the southern states the imported red or black fire ant.

The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. Mostly from a local pain, swelling and redness confined to the sting site.

The most serious allergic one, including:

1. Generalized hives, itching, and swelling.
2. Abdominal cramping, vomiting, nausea or diarrhea.
3. Tightness in chest and difficulty in breathing
4. Hoarse voice or swelling of tongue, throat or difficulty swallowing.

In even more severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis can occur within minutes and may be life threatening.

There is a 60% chance of having a similar or worse reaction if a person had a previous allergic reaction.

The long-term treatment of insect allergy is called venom immunotherapy, a highly effective program administered by an allergist, immunologist specialist.