All bees, including alkali bees, have venom or poison in their stings. But only female bees sting. The amount of venom in the sting is usually insufficient to cause a problem with most people. However, if a person is allergic to bee stings, medical action must be taken immediately. The venom is stored in a small sac attached to the stinger that is part of the female bee's reproductive system. The female alkali bee, however, rarely stings.
If an alkali bee stings you and you are allergic to the venom, watch for certain symptoms to appear. Your face may swell up, particularly the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Your stomach may start cramping; you may experience diarrhea or vomiting and your blood pressure may drop substantially. Hives may appear on your skin and you will feel very itchy.
If you know that you are severely allergic to any type of bee venom, whether from alkali bees or any other type, you should carry a bee sting kit with you. Anaphylactic reactions are very dangerous and must be treated immediately with a shot of epinephrine, which is included in bee sting kits. Epinephrine is only available by prescription and its potency fades after a year. The prescription must be renewed each year.
If an alkali bee stings you, the stinger needs to be removed. Pull it out carefully with tweezers or fingers, but be careful not to break the venomous sac that is attached to the stinger. This will force more venom into the body. Clean the area well with soap and water and place some ice on the site. Give the stung person some diphenhydramine or Benadryl to make sure that an allergic reaction is prevented or subdued.