Wasp Stings

A sting by a social or common wasp (also known as a yellow jacket) is a painful experience. It can be very upsetting and frightening for young children.

Wasp stings may even be life threatening to people allergic to the poison in stings. 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.

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.

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

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. 

Learn more about how to prevent wasp problems.