Let’s face it – none of us want to be on the receiving end of a wasp attack. Wasps stings can be extremely painful and difficult to recover from. But considering how common wasp stings are, it is important to know to handle one if you or someone near you is attacked.
Wasps can be found in abundance during warmer months of the year. They are generally found outdoors and can become quite a nuisance towards the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Wasps feed on food sources that are rich in protein or have plenty of sugar. This makes everything from fruits to processed human food very appealing to them. It is advisable to not leave any meat or sugary items unattended outdoors, as they may immediately attract wasps.
Why Do Wasps Sting Humans?
The biggest reason why wasps sting human beings is that they feel threatened. Similar to other pests, wasps are protective of their nests and will become aggressive if they sense that they are under any form of threat. If you wave your arms around them or try to hit them with any object, they are likely to get annoyed and attack you.
Although a wasp sting is a painful experience, it is not life-threatening or long-term in most cases. That said, wasp stings do pose a threat to life to people allergic to stings. Without the right medication and treatment, an allergic reaction resulting from a wasp sting can become critical.
How to Deal with Wasp Sting?
Read on to find out what you should do in case of a future attack:
- Clean the affected area: Your first step should be to clean the affected area with soap and water. This will help you get rid of the sting’s venom. You can wash the affected area a few times to make sure that you have removed as much venom as possible.
- Apply an ice pack: After a wasp sting, you are likely to see some level of redness and swelling near the sting area. To reduce the swelling and calm your skin, apply an ice pack on the impacted area. Depending on the level of swelling, you can continue applying the ice pack for 10-15 minutes in one go.
- Keep the affected area clean: As with most wounds, it is important to keep the affected area clean. Any dust or substances interacting with the wounded area may result in an infection, which will complicate your recovery process.
- Consult a doctor in case of an allergic reaction: If you are allergic to wasp stings, it is advisable to always carry your medication with you. In case of a severe allergic reaction, you will need immediate medical help as the sting may turn out to be life-threatening.
- Over-the-counter remedies: Based on a doctor’s advice, you can use lotions or creams that might help your skin soothe a little. Similarly, you can consult a physician and choose an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce the pain from the sting.
Wrapping Up
Most wasp sting attacks can be managed with remedies and treatment at home since it results in a low or moderate reaction. But, there are a considerable number of incidents where wasp stings result in severe reactions in people. In case of severe reactions, seek immediate help of medical professionals. If you suspect that there may be wasps present in or near your home, call a pest control professional today to conduct a thorough inspection
