Wasps are commonly encountered in Lithuanian nature. Typically, their colonies increase in spring, and in summer this number peaks – a single colony can have even more than a thousand wasps. However, during the warm seasons, wasps approach people less often because their main diet consists of flower nectar, sweet berries, fruits, or small insects. As autumn approaches, the number of wasps gradually decreases, and it becomes harder to find food in vegetation because trees no longer bloom, flowers become scarce, and wasps can only get sugar from apples or pears, according to a press release.
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“Wasps that have colonies in tree hollows and branches, cracks or corners of houses, as well as on the shores of water bodies and other places sheltered from the wind, begin to look for sugar sources closer to people. They are attracted by fruity and other sweet scents, so it can be hard to keep wasps away from food dishes, sweet drinks, as well as after applying perfume, using scented cosmetics, or even hygiene products,” says pharmacist A. Krušnienė.
There can be more than one sting
The pharmacist emphasizes that wasps’ attention can be drawn by bright, light colors resembling flower petals, faster or larger movements, and the smell of sweat. One of the biggest mistakes when encountering a wasp is trying to shoo it away with sudden hand movements or running away from it. According to A. Krušnienė, in such cases the wasp may feel threatened and try to defend itself – by stinging.
When stung by a wasp, pain is felt immediately, and later itching, redness, and swelling may occur. This is due to the venom injected into the skin, whose proteins cause a toxic reaction. However, it is very important to understand that troubles may not end here, because wasps, like hornets, can sting the same victim multiple times. Moreover, a wasp that has stung a person releases certain chemical particles into the air, which signal nearby wasps to come to help.
“First of all, the stinger should be removed. I would recommend disinfecting or washing the stung area with water and soap, and applying a cool compress to reduce swelling and pain. I would advise avoiding physical activity for at least a few hours so that the venom does not spread through the body. If unpleasant symptoms do not subside within a few days, worsen, or the condition deteriorates, antihistamines or pain and anti-inflammatory medications can be taken, and the sting site can be treated with products that suppress allergy and inflammation. Pharmacists can always advise on which products to choose,” warns A. Krušnienė. She points out that after a wasp sting, swelling and sensitivity of the affected area can last for a couple of days or a bit longer.
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More severe cases
For some people, a wasp sting can cause a stronger allergic reaction, especially if stung multiple times or in sensitive body areas such as the neck, tongue, ear, throat, or face. A strong allergic reaction can manifest as very pronounced swelling, pain, and redness and can last about a week. However, this condition does not pose a life-threatening danger, unlike an acute allergic reaction – anaphylactic shock.
“During anaphylactic shock, the skin may turn pale or red, the body may suddenly break out in hives, the airways may begin to swell, pulse and blood pressure may weaken, general weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur. In such cases, it is necessary to go to a medical facility as soon as possible or call an ambulance,” she emphasizes and adds that people who know about their allergies should carry an automatic epinephrine injector with them.
How to avoid it?
To reduce the risk of wasp stings, pharmacist A. Krušnienė urges not to leave uncovered food or drinks outdoors, as a wasp entering them can be accidentally swallowed. If a wasp stings inside the throat, it can pose a serious life threat due to airway swelling.
“I would recommend not walking barefoot through the grass and wearing gloves when doing garden work. Also, during higher wasp activity, it is advisable to avoid bright and floral clothing and instead choose earthy, muted tones. Sweet-smelling cosmetics, shampoos, hair styling products, perfumes, and fabric softeners should also be avoided if we want to keep wasps away. Looking at the calendar, by the end of September, wasps should significantly decrease, so strict preventive measures should no longer be necessary,” says the pharmacist.
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