Stings by insects send more than half a million people each year to hospital emergency rooms and cause at least 50 deaths, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

Experts believe that many more deaths occur that are never identified as caused by insect sting allergies.

People with stinging insect allergies don't have to live in fear of picnics, parks and gardens. Studies have shown that allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, are 97 percent effective in protecting allergic people from potentially life-threatening reactions to insect sting venom.

“Don't look like a flower, smell like a flower or act like a flower," said Richard D. deShazo, M.D., allergist at University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss.

"Bees are attracted to flowers and they'll be attracted to you if you dress in bright colors and floral prints, wear strong perfumes and walk barefoot in the grass among the clover that bees love so much."

Insect sting allergies require immediate medical attention. People who know they are having insect sting allergies should never be without an emergency kit containing epinephrine (adrenaline).

If you experience any symptoms of insect sting allergies for the first time from an insect sting or bite, get to an emergency room right away.

Insect sting allergie symptoms include hives, itchiness, swelling in areas other than the sting site, difficulty breathing, dizziness, hoarse voice and swelling of the tongue. In severe insect sting allergies, the person may lose consciousness and can have cardiac arrest.

Most people are not allergic to insect stings and should learn to recognize the difference between insect sting allergies and a normal or large local reaction.

Although insect repellents do not work against bees, hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, and fire ants, there are ways to minimize your chances of being stung.

Here are some additional tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:

- Keep food covered when eating outdoors.

- Don't drink soft drinks from cans. Stinging insects are attracted to the sweetness and may crawl inside the can.

- Garbage cans stored outside should be covered with tight-fitting lids.

- Keep window and door screens in good repair. Drive with car windows closed.

- Keep prescribed medications handy at all times and follow the attached instructions if you are stung and having an allergic reaction to the insect sting.

- If you have a child who is prone to insect sting allergies, make sure teachers, camp counselors and other adult supervisors know, and that the child has an emergency epinephrine kit. 

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