This summer we have seen twice the number of wasp call outs than in the previous four years. The dry spring and hot summer has led to a substantial rise in wasp (and hornet) nests and an increase in swarm strikes. So, what should you do if you are attacked by wasp or a swarm of wasps? Yes, everyone’s reaction to a wasp or wasps flying around their head is to swing at it. Swinging at wasps sometimes has the opposite effect, you can actual be provoking them to attack. When you get too close to a wasp nest, initially, one or two wasps will give you a warning sting as they fly too or from their nest. If you happen to stick around or actually disturb the nest then those wasps will release pheromones that induce defensive behaviour, so the one or two wasps around you will turn into several dozen angry wasps. So, what do we recommend when irritated wasps attack? Remain calm and slowly walk away from them and don’t swat at them (okay, nobody can do this – just run fast). If you get stung, wash with soap and water, apply ice to reduce swelling and pain, use pain relievers if it is too sore and finally talk to a pharmacist about antihistamines to slow the swelling.
gogreenpestcontrol.ca Ladner Tsawwassen Delta B.C. Randy L. Bilesky BsF CPA
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/coping-wasps-hornets-randy-bilesky/?published=t