Yellow Jackets Swarm North Carolina, Prompting Surge in Demand for Benadryl and EpiPens

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating flooding across western North Carolina, residents are facing an unexpected and dangerous challenge: swarms of aggressive yellow jackets and other stinging insects. The destruction caused by the storm has disrupted underground nests, unleashing these insects on communities already struggling to recover. As a result, the demand for allergy medications like Benadryl and epinephrine injections, commonly known as EpiPens, has skyrocketed, prompting swift action from state health officials and humanitarian aid groups. This emerging health crisis highlights the unpredictable aftermath of natural disasters and the resilience of affected communities.

A Hidden Danger Emerges

Hurricane Helene, one of the deadliest storms to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, left a trail of destruction in North Carolina. Beyond the tragic loss of life and property, the storm’s flooding has triggered a secondary threat. Underground nests of yellow jackets, bees, and other stinging insects were washed away or destroyed, forcing these insects to swarm in large numbers. “Populations are just kind of spilling out, so you don’t have one yellow jacket, you have 300 of them on this tree,” said Chris Hayes, an extension associate in urban entomology at North Carolina State University, in an interview with NBC News.

Yellow jackets, particularly the Eastern yellow jacket (Vespula maculifrons), are the most abundant species in North Carolina. Unlike bees, which typically sting once and die, yellow jackets are aggressive and can sting multiple times. They can also signal others to join in, leading to swarm attacks that pose significant risks, especially for those with allergies. For many residents, particularly outdoor workers like electricians restoring power lines, these encounters have become an alarming part of daily life in the storm’s aftermath.

A Surge in Stings and Medical Needs

The increase in yellow jacket and bee stings has led to a sharp rise in requests for medical supplies to treat allergic reactions. For those who are not allergic, a sting can cause pain, itching, and swelling, which can often be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl. However, for individuals with severe allergies, a sting can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that causes difficulty breathing, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure. In these cases, EpiPens, which deliver a dose of epinephrine, are critical for immediate treatment.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has responded quickly to the crisis. “We are actively working to ensure Benadryl and epinephrine are readily available in western NC for those who may be allergic or have been stung,” said Summer Tonizzo, a press assistant at the department, in a statement to NBC News. The state has purchased large quantities of Benadryl and EpiPens to distribute through hospitals, emergency medical personnel, and doctors. Additionally, pharmacists have been granted flexibility to provide emergency refills for allergy medications, and the state is working to allow EpiPens to be purchased without a prescription to meet the urgent demand.

Humanitarian aid groups have also stepped in to help. Direct Relief, a nonprofit organization, has delivered more than 2,000 EpiPens to community health centers, clinics, and pharmacies across the hard-hit western region of North Carolina. “With every disaster, we get requests for EpiPens, but this one is definitely an outlier,” said Alycia Clark, Direct Relief’s chief pharmacy officer, in an interview with The Associated Press. The organization’s efforts are focused on ensuring that those most at risk, including outdoor workers and residents in temporary camps, have access to life-saving medications.

Why Are Yellow Jackets So Aggressive?

Yellow jackets are naturally more aggressive than bees, and their behavior becomes even more erratic when their nests are disturbed. The flooding from Hurricane Helene, which swept away roads, homes, and entire communities, also disrupted the underground colonies where yellow jackets live. “The rain and floodwater most likely destroyed the insects’ underground nests, in addition to toppling trees or stumps that held nests,” explained Chris Hayes. This displacement has left yellow jackets confused and defensive, leading to increased attacks on people in the area.

For those stung, the experience can be terrifying. Tarren Pruitt, a registered nurse in West Jefferson, North Carolina, told NBC News that she’s seeing yellow jackets everywhere she goes. “It’s like they’re just out of control,” she said, describing the chaotic swarms. In extreme cases, stings can be fatal. While not directly related to the current crisis, a 2023 incident in Kentucky serves as a sobering reminder: a man died after being stung 15 to 20 times by yellow jackets and bees while moving a bag of potting soil.

Health Risks and Treatment Options

For most people, a yellow jacket sting causes temporary discomfort that can be treated at home. Doctors recommend removing the stinger, if present, by scraping it out with a knife or flat object, then applying an ice pack to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter remedies like Calamine lotion or Benadryl can help with itching and pain, while pain relievers like ibuprofen can address discomfort. However, for the estimated 0.5% to 3% of people with severe allergies to insect stings, the risks are far greater. Anaphylaxis can set in quickly, requiring immediate use of an EpiPen to stabilize breathing, reduce swelling, and restore blood pressure.

The surge in demand for EpiPens and Benadryl underscores the scale of the problem in North Carolina. Pharmacies are working overtime to keep up with requests, and the state’s decision to allow non-prescription purchases of EpiPens could be a game-changer for residents in rural areas with limited access to healthcare. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is also collecting donations of allergy medications to ensure a steady supply for those in need.

Community Resilience Amid Crisis

The yellow jacket swarms are just one of many challenges facing North Carolina residents as they recover from Hurricane Helene. The storm, which killed at least 215 people across the Southeast, has left communities without power, clean water, or stable housing. Yet, the response to the insect crisis shows the strength and coordination of local and state efforts. From healthcare providers to aid organizations, people are coming together to address this unexpected threat.

Residents are also taking precautions to avoid stings. Experts advise wearing protective clothing, avoiding bright colors or floral patterns that attract insects, and staying alert in areas where yellow jackets are active, such as near fallen trees or flooded ground. For those working outdoors, carrying Benadryl or an EpiPen, if prescribed, is now a critical safety measure.

Conclusion

As North Carolina continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene, the yellow jacket swarm serves as a reminder of how natural disasters can create cascading challenges. The state’s proactive response, including the distribution of Benadryl and EpiPens and the loosening of prescription rules, is helping to mitigate the immediate danger. However, the situation also highlights the importance of preparedness for secondary effects of disasters, which can catch communities off guard.

For now, residents are urged to stay vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience severe symptoms after a sting. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and organizations like Direct Relief are committed to ensuring that no one faces this crisis without access to essential medications. As the region rebuilds, the hope is that these efforts will help keep residents safe from both the visible and hidden threats left in Helene’s wake.

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