Wasp Stings

A sting by a social or common wasp (also known as a yellow jacket) is a painful experience. Being stung by a wasp in the summer months is fairly common, however it can be very upsetting and frightening for young children. Only when wasps feel threatened they will attack to protect their young. 

Wasps carry venom in their stings that may be life-threatening to people who are allergic to the poison. This allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis.

People who have been stung several times previously and have become sensitised are more likely to suffer this systemic reaction.

The good news is that this type of allergic reaction is rare and it is even rarer for it to be fatal.

Symptoms of being stung by wasps include:

• Red swelling
• Burning sensation 

A wasp sting is a form of defence. If wasps feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed, it makes them very aggressive and provokes them to sting.

In spring, wasps hunt aphids, greenfly and other insects to feed grubs in the nest. At this time wasps will only become aggressive if they think their nest or their young are under threat.

In terms of first aid, the first thing you should do to the allergy sufferer is put them into the shock position (lay them flat on the ground with their legs raised - in case of respiratory standby). If you are unable to put them into the shock position, lay them in the stable side position; provide the sufferer with immediate mouth-to-mouth ventilation.

During wasp season, anyone with an allergy to wasps should always carry an emergency kit containing the following:

• Fast acting antihistamine 
• Cortisone preparation
• Tweezers for removing the spine
• Suction punch from a pharmacy 
• Adrenaline spray in case of hyperventilation, a swollen tongue or circulatory issues

• Press the wasp venom out of the wound, however do not suck the poison out.
• Dab the sting with hot water under pressure to reduce swelling.
• Keep the sting cool with water, a cool compress or ice cube.
• Juice of an onion has a strong anti-inflammatory against wasp stings. Cut the onion in half and rub the stung area gently. 
• Home remedies that bee keepers use is to dissolve salt in warm water and dab it to the stung area gently. 
• Vinegar is another home remedy. The theory is the acidity of the Vinegar reduces the alkalinity of the sting.
• Anti-inflammatory ointments and creams from over the counter in a pharmacy can help reduce the pain.    

A wasp sting is a form of defence. If wasps feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed, it makes them very aggressive and provokes them to sting.

In spring, wasps hunt aphids, greenfly and other insects to feed grubs in the nest. At this time wasps will only become aggressive if they think their nest or their young are under threat.

In late summer/autumn wasps have no young to feed so get no sugary secretion. This is when they seek fermenting fruit and sweet things and become more of a pest at picnics, barbecues and outdoor meals in general.

Luckily there are some easy, practical things you can do yourself to try and avoid being stung.

Wasp nest removal is one of the most reliable ways to reduce the number of wasps buzzing around your home and the risk of painful stings.

You will continue to have a wasp problem throughout  the summer as long as a nest remains untreated on your property. 

At Rentokil, our BPCA certified technicians require just one 30 - 45 minute visit to treat a wasp nest.

We will also offer expert advice on preventing wasp problems in the future.

It is difficult to know how you might react to a wasp sting, if you have never been stung before.
There are some practical things you can do to help with any pain you might feel

• Use a cold compress such as an ice-pack or cold flannel.
• Take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to soothe any pain.
• Take antihistamine tablets to reduce any small localised swelling around the sting.

If you are in any doubt about a wasp sting please consult a doctor or medical professional.

The allergic reaction anaphylaxis can occur when someone becomes sensitised to the poison in the sting. It is a rare reaction but can be fatal.

If someone has the following symptoms after being stung, immediately call for an ambulance:

• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• vomiting
• nausea or diarrhoea
• feeling faint or dizzy
• swollen face or mouth
• problems swallowing