Summer time, wasp time. Since the beginning of July, wasps have been attacking more and more fruit cakes, juices and ice creams. Eating sugary foods outdoors can quickly become uncomfortable. With a few tricks, pests can be kept away without having to risk a wasp sting. However, blowing must absolutely be avoided.
If there is no allergy to insect bites, the bites are slightly painful, but harmless to health.
However, allergy sufferers should be especially careful, as a bite can be life-threatening. Here you will learn how to scare away wasps with a simple trick and how best to protect yourself from wasp stings.
Drought and heat make for a good year for wasps
The National Association for the Protection of Birds in Bavaria (LBV) gives some useful tips on how to behave correctly when visiting wasps and how to protect yourself effectively against stings. Using a spray bottle with tap water is one of the recommended countermeasures.
Wasp stings can be dangerous
Wasp stings are not only painful, but can even lead to death if allergic.
And even in non-allergic people, they can sometimes be life-threatening, for example if they pass into the mouth or throat.
To avoid wasp stings, you need to keep insects away from you as much as possible. An atomizer filled with tap water can help.
When the wasps are sprayed with atomized water, they think it is going to rain and therefore flee to their nest, explains LBV spokesman Markus Erlwein.
Stay calm and avoid agitated movements
The LBV advises against certain things that are supposed to keep wasps away. For example, copper coins placed on the table are useless.
“Traps or distracting food even have a negative impact, since even more animals are attracted,” explains the LBV spokesperson.
“Especially during thunderstorms or at the end of the flight time, many wasps become more invasive. So it is better to avoid them,” continues the expert.
If that doesn't work, it's important to stay calm when a wasp approaches. Frantic or panicky movements should be avoided around insects.
And the LBV spokesperson has another important piece of advice: "Never blow on the wasp, because the carbon dioxide in the air it breathes is a warning signal for the animals and puts them in an attacking mood. ".
Wasps generally do not react aggressively when searching for food anyway. They only retaliate when they feel threatened.
Simple rules of conduct
In the LBV's message, there are even simpler rules of conduct that help to avoid unpleasant incidents:
For example, food and drink should be covered on the outside and leftovers should be removed immediately after the barbecue.
"It's also important to let children drink through a straw and to wipe their face and hands after eating to avoid attracting wasps," says Erlwein. Reusable metal straws are available for this purpose.
Wasps can also be attracted to odors such as fragrant perfumes, creams, and wood furniture polishes. But colorful flowery clothes also have their appeal for her. Also, always keep the trash can and compost covered.
Mosquito nets or a room lock, such as a curtain after the front door, are useful to keep wasps away from the apartment and the house.
Simple Home Remedies Have Been Proven
But sometimes all good advice is useless and the question arises what to do if a wasp has stung you?
If the thorn is still visible, it should be carefully removed with the tweezers. Then cool the area of the body around the bite with cold compresses so that the swelling goes away faster.
If you have an insect bite in your mouth, suck on ice cubes to keep your airways from swelling.
Onions or lemon slices, which are placed on the affected areas, are also suitable home remedies for wasp stings.
As an immediate measure you can also rub your own saliva on the bite, it cools down a bit and can already bring some relief. Even better are aloe vera, fresh buckthorn, clove oil, clay wraps and vinegar water or garden herbs like parsley or basil. (sb, ad)
Author and source information
Important note:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot substitute a visit to the doctor.
