Those who experience a noteworthy reaction to an insect sting may benefit from allergy shots (immunotherapy). The goal of immunotherapy is to build up a patient’s tolerance to the allergen. People at risk from insect stings receive very low-dose injections of the insect venom until they build up a tolerance to it. Once the tolerance has been established, the likelihood of suffering a severe allergic reaction to a sting plummets.

Immunotherapy is usually safe, and almost always successful in patients who try it. It often desensitizes the body to the insect venom within just a few months.

A medical alert bracelet, which identifies the allergy and offers emergency information, may also be recommended. In some cases, it might be wise to carry an emergency epinephrine kit (allergy kit). This prescription medication contains a single dose of epinephrine in a syringe called an auto-injector. Because of late phase reactions, physicians may recommend that patients carry a twin pack auto-injector.  Patients inject the drug into their thigh during an emergency.

While epinephrine (which constricts blood vessels) is highly effective in treating anaphylaxis symptoms, its effect can be diminished by beta blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which prevent blood-vessel constriction. These drugs are prescribed to treat high blood pressure and some heart conditions.  Patients who use these drugs should make sure a physician knows of their use. The physician may recommend alternative medications for treating heart or blood-pressure conditions.

If a child needs to have access to epinephrine while at school, parents should arrange for their child to either carry the medication (if old enough), or make sure it is available through several members of the school's staff.

People with insect allergies should also take basic precautions to reduce the likelihood of being stung, including:

• Avoid disturbing sites that might host hives, such as large trees, stumps, logs and large rocks.
  
  
• If you do accidentally disturb a bee colony, run for cover immediately. Running in a zig-zag pattern may help. If a colony of bees comes after you, cover your head and face as much as possible, even while running.
  
  
• Hire an exterminator to destroy hives or nests.
  
  
• Avoid slapping at flying insects. This may provoke them. Instead, remain calm and slowly move away from them.
  
  
• Avoid drinking from cans or straws unless you can see inside them. Yellow jackets love to hide in these places.
  
  
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and closed shoes when possible. Avoid wearing flowery or bright-colored clothing, or dark clothing; whites and light colors are better. Avoid loose-fitting clothing, which can trap insects between the material and the skin.
  
  
• Avoid wearing perfumes, colognes and other scented products (e.g., hairspray, deodorant) which may attract stinging insects.
  
  
• Shower after vigorous exercise. Perspiration can make bees more aggressive.
  
  
• Do not use insect repellent to avoid stinging insects. It is more likely to attract them.
  
  
• Keep car windows closed.
  
  
• Avoid walking barefoot, especially in grass. The majority of honey bee stings are the result of stepping on the bees while walking without shoes.
  
  
• Use protective netting when sleeping outdoors.
  
  
• Keep all food covered until it is ready to be eaten.
  
  
• Steer clear of areas with open food containers, such as garbage cans, picnic areas and dumps.
  
  
• Keep outdoor garbage cans covered with tight-fitting lids.
  
  
• Use caution and wear gloves when gardening and performing yard work.