Flowers in gardens across Iowa are drying up and natural food sources are dwindling for pollinators, which means stinging insects are foraging for food in other areas, and any perceived act of aggression could lead to a painful encounter. Dr. Eric Schauberger (SHAU-berger), an allergy physician at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says they’re seeing more stings from bees, wasps, hornets and other flying insects as we get further into October.
As the insects’ regular food sources are disappearing, they may be buzzing closer to humans than we’d prefer.
People tend to lump all stinging insects into the bee category, but Schauberger says the majority of Iowans who get stung aren’t stung by bees, even though there are many different types of bees, including bumblebees, sweatbees and honeybees.
Being stung by a bee -can- be life-threatening, and Schauberger says what’s known as anaphylaxis (ANN-ah-fah-LAX-sis) is the most severe type of allergic reaction.
Only about five-percent of Iowans have a serious bee sting allergy which might require them to carry an Epi-Pen in case they get stung. Emplify Health by Gundersen has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.
