Chemist Direct Blog - How do I to tackle the rise in wasp stings?

With summer entering its final few weeks, many people do not realise that for the wasp, things are just hotting up. Although the wasp season officially starts in April, during August and September the young adult wasps (“workers”) born in the spring leave their nests, meaning there are a lot more flying about than during other times of the summer. Others which were busy bringing up and feeding larval wasps, keeping the nest in shape, are now free to hunt for food, especially with the fruit on trees ripening. Wasps are also attracted by meat, so BBQ’s will always attract their fair number.

In this latter part of the summer, the wasps become more and more dependent on food and will therefore aggressively seek it out, so during this time they are more likely to deliver a sting if bothered. This year’s cold winter followed by a relatively warm summer has also suited wasps and kept their population numbers well up. It’s no surprise then that pest controllers are entering a busy time, with many being called out to deal with nests or swarms.

It’s always worth remembering that if you are being bothered by a wasp, the best thing to do is to leave it alone or move inside, as trying to swat it will simply make it angrier and therefore more likely to sting you. When a wasp stings, a pheromone is released in the venom that signals other wasps nearby to attack the same area that was already stung.

If you are unlucky to be stung, remove the sting immediately by scraping it away - don't pull it as the sting is barbed. You should then apply a cool pack - with antihistamine tablets or a spray http://www.chemistdirect.co.uk/wasp-eze-bites-and-sting-spray_1_4582.html. Paracetamol will soothe any discomfort.

If you're stung in the mouth, eye or throat, or in any doubt about the sting's severity, seek seeking urgent medical advice from a doctor.