What to Know about a Wasp Sting or Bite
Insects known as Wasps include solitary, parasitic wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. All of these species aggressively defend their nests and food.
Wasp Stings
A wasp sting is known to be painful and unpleasant.
Besides being painful, wasp stings are itchy, and effects can last from hours to days.
A single sting is not overly dangerous unless you are allergic. The symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from mild, increasing pain and duration to a severe, life-threatening reaction requiring hospitalization.
But wasps usually sting multiple times. Worse, they release pheromones that attract other wasps to help in defending the perceived threat.
Wasp Bites
Wasp bites are thankfully short-lived. Not known to transmit venom or disease, they often cause more panic than lasting damage.
However, wasp bites typically occur when the insect latches on to a person or animal to deliver repeated stings. An individual wasp is rarely more than a nuisance to anyone without allergies. But in colonies or swarms, wasps can be hazardous to anyone.
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Wasp Sting Properties
Wasp stings cause red skin and small white welts. The welt will have a dot in the middle. Beyond their venom, which all wasps have in common, the stings of different types of wasps produce varying results.
Intensity of Pain
A Hornet's sting contains a chemical that affects your brain. It increases your ability to feel pain. So that an already painful sting becomes more intense, and the sensation lasts longer.
Mimicry Defense
We know all wasp stings release a chemical that signals others to attack as well. Therefore, a single sting can quickly turn into a swarm. Yellow Jackets will swarm in the thousands, which becomes a dangerous situation within minutes.
Stingers
Ovipositors are a tube-like organ some animals use to lay eggs or attach an egg to a surface. Parasitic wasps use these to lay eggs on or in the body of other insects or nests.
While this stinger is comparatively smooth, some species (yellow jackets and bald face hornets most notably) do have small barbs. They can become lodged in the skin after multiple stings and must be carefully removed.
Wasp Sting Treatment
Allergy levels can vary between stings. For mild reactions, remove the stinger, wash the area with antibacterial soap, apply ice packs, and take Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain. You can apply a bandage if you want.
For severe reactions, it is recommended that you take an antihistamine and see a doctor as soon as possible. The most severe allergies require treatment with an EpiPen and immediate emergency medical care.
If you are stung and have not had a tetanus booster in the last decade, it is suggested you get one to avoid Tetanus (a serious bacterial toxin).
The Best Treatment is Prevention
- Keep garbage sealed
- Clean up fruit and meat that will attract wasps
- Be aware of nests and have them removed
- Wear shoes in hazard areas
If you see wasps or a wasps nest, it is important to act quickly before they present a danger to you and your family. Croach® wasp removal services help you get rid of wasps and discourage their return.
Contact Croach® for a free pest control inspection.
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