ABSTRACT
The Hymenoptera species giving rise to most medical problems are those living close to human dwellings either because they are domesticated (honey bees) or because they are attracted by our food such as sweet beverage, pastry, fruit etc. In contrast to other venomous animals, stinging insects occur in nearly all climatic zones. Hymenopterans sting humans as a response to threat. The most important prophylactic measures would be to avoid touching or squeezing the insects, to avoid sudden movements close to the insects and to avoid catching the insects in loose-fitting clothes (during bicycling etc.) or in foods or drinks consumed outdoors. In principle immunotherapy is a prophylactic treatment in allergic individuals. In venom-allergic patients increasing doses of venom extract is administered subcutaneously until a dose equivalent to several stings is reached. The therapy can be performed in various regimens and choosing the optimum modality is a task for allergy specialists.
