Try to Remove the Stinger (if present)

• The stinger looks like a tiny black dot in the sting.
• There are several different methods of removal. Removing the stinger quickly is more important than how you remove it.
• Use a fingernail, credit card edge or knife-edge to scrape it off. Don't pull it out. (Reason: squeezes out more venom). If the stinger is below the skin surface, leave it alone. It will be shed with normal skin healing.
• In many cases no stinger will be present. Only bees leave their stingers. Wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets do not.