Wasps

Being stung by a wasp or bee is a painful experience and can be life threatening to anyone who may be allergic to stings. However, it is possible to reduce these risks by taking sensible precautions when outdoors and ensuring that wasp nests are properly managed.

Identifying a Wasp Nest

Wasps make their nests from chewed wood pulp and saliva, giving them distinctive papery walls.

Nests are usually built in sheltered spots with easy access to the outside. You can often find wasp nests in wall cavities, roof spaces, under eaves, in bird boxes, sheds or garages.

To locate a nest, carefully watch the flight path of the returning wasps.

Wasp Stings

• Like the bee, 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.
• 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 reactio
• The good news is that this type of allergic reaction is rare and it is even rarer for it to be fatal.

Wasp Deterrent Tips

• Check for nests - Check your home and garden for nests, usually walnut or golf ball in size at the beginning - early small nests have fewer wasps and are easier to treat quickly. Look for nests in garages, sheds, cavity walls or under eaves.

• Secure bins - Ensure outside bins have tightly fitting lids. Keep bins at a distance from doors and windows so wasps are not attracted to the contents.

• Keep windows and doors shut - To prevent wasps entering inside your home.

• Keep a safe distance - If you have spotted a nest, make sure you keep children and pets away from the area.

How to Get Rid of Wasps

The most effective way to get rid of wasps or hornets is to treat the main cause of the problem – the nest. Removing a nest can be very dangerous. Wasps inside the nest will feel threatened and often become aggressive. This could cause them to sting you and others as they defend their nest and young. If there is a hive with a colony of wasps on your property, it is highly recommended to contact the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia for removal assistance.