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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 defense. 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, 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
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 sensitized 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:
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.
At Rentokil, our qualified, local technicians require just one 30 - 45 minute visit to treat a wasp nest.
We will also offer expert advice on preventing wasp problems in the future.
Rentokil’s discreet and effective professional service for the elimination of wasps in your business
Wasp nests can be dangerous to handle. Rely on professional treatments to keep safe from stings