Avoiding wasps

ALTHOUGH these amber and blackcoloured buzzers are often an unwelcome nuisance during summer, it’s good to remember that they’re not all bad news. Wasps pollinate plants and keep pest insect populations under control, so there’s good reason for them to be in your garden.

We asked leading UK insect expert, Professor James Logan, for his advice on keeping wasps at bay, and what to do if you’re unlucky enough to get stung...

1. DON’T PANIC

When a wasp is heading straight for the morsel of food in your hand, it’s natural to panic and start swatting it away. “Don’t flap around wasps and bees though,” says James, “as this may agitate them and they may be more likely to sting. They only attack in defence. The best thing to do is to remain calm and the insect will usually leave of it’s own accord eventually.”

2. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DRINK James says you should be extra vigilant with sugary drinks. “When outside, check the inside of your can of juice as wasps can climb inside, and being stung inside the mouth could be dangerous.”

3. LEAVE WASP AND BEE NESTS WELL ALONE

Be careful not to touch it as you may be stung multiple times. Usually, a wasps’ nest will die out in the winter if left alone.

4. WHAT IF YOU GET A STING? James says: “You should always get advice from a pharmacist or GP before taking any medication. Things you can buy include antihistamine tablets, antihistamine creams, pain killers such as paracetamol and antiinflammatories such as ibuprofen. You can also use a cold compress to help reduce swelling.

5. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF IT’S SERIOUS?

“A very small percentage of people may have a severe reaction called anaphylaxis though.” he says. “Things to look out for are shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, swelling of the lips, mouth and throat, hives on the body, confusion and anxiety, a fast heartbeat, or collapsing,” says Logan. “If this happens, it could be very serious. An Epipen (automatic injection devices containing adrenaline for allergic emergencies) should be used, if the person has one. An ambulance should also be called immediately. Remove the sting if it is still embedded and lie the person down. If they stop breathing, you should adminsiter CPR until the ambulance arrives. “