Have you ever been alarmed by seeing a wasp nest somewhere in your garden or even inside your house? Doesn't that sound make your body shiver? Many of us get scared when we see a wasp or a hornet. But are all the types of wasps we fear really dangerous? Maybe they're not as bad as we think. Today, we'll talk about these wasps and hornets, their behavior, how to be careful of them, and what to do if you accidentally get stung.
Who are wasps and wasps? Are they just animals?
Simply put, wasps are flying insects with a stinger on the underside of their bodies. We see these creatures more often, especially during dry weather. Although we see them as nuisances, did you know that these wasps provide a great service to the ecosystem?
Yes, that's right. Bumblebees are skilled hunters. They hunt down insects that bother us, such as flies, spiders, and caterpillars, and feed them to their young. This keeps the insect population under control. So what do adult bumblebees eat? They drink the nectar of flowers. This way, they pollinate flowers as they go from flower to flower. Instead of looking for flowers in particular, like bees, bumblebees drink the nectar from any flower and help pollinate those flowers.
Cockroaches build their nests in a variety of places. Some species build their nests in trees, under the roofs of buildings, and against walls. Others build their nests underground or in mud. Cockroaches generally do not attack humans. However , they can become very aggressive if we approach or damage their nests. Therefore, if there are cockroach nests near homes or in places where people frequent, it is wise to remove them before they become a danger.
A wasp? A bee? How do you know for sure?
Many people confuse a wasp and a bee. But there are a few simple ways to tell the two apart. It's important to know this, because their behaviors and the effects they can have are very different.
| Characteristic | Wasp / Hornet | Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of the body | The body has a shiny, smooth appearance. The waist is very thin. | The body is covered in fine hairs. The body is slightly rounded. |
| Food | They hunt other insects and spiders, and also drink nectar. | They only eat nectar and pollen. |
| Nesting materials | They build their nests from a paper-like substance made by mixing things like wood fibers with their saliva. Some species make their nests from mud. | Hives are made from wax produced by their own bodies. |
| Behavior / Aggression | They are very aggressive if approached near the cage. Some breeds may attack for no reason. | Bees usually only attack if they feel a serious threat. |
Common types of Debara in Sri Lanka
The two types of people we see in Sri Lanka can be divided into two main categories.
1. Social, aggressive ants: These are the type we should be most afraid of. They live in large groups, in large nests. These nests can be found in trees and under the roofs of houses. If the nest feels even the slightest threat, the whole herd will come and attack.
2. Solitary Wasps: This type is not very aggressive. An example is the wasp that builds small nests out of mud, like the "Karaleawa". They live alone. Unless their nest is directly damaged, they rarely cause trouble.
A wasp sting - should you be afraid? What to do?
A wasp bite is very painful. The bite site may also become swollen and red. Usually, a single wasp bite is not a serious injury. However, in some cases, it can be very dangerous.
Most importantly: If you have had a severe allergy to an insect sting in the past, a wasp sting is not something to be taken lightly.
When should you go to a hospital immediately?
If you see any of the following symptoms,Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) without delay. This could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dizziness , fainting, or loss of consciousness
- Heart palpitations
- Rash or severe itching all over the body
- Vomiting or stomach pain
Other things to pay attention to:
- If you are bitten by several wasps at once: If you are attacked by a swarm of wasps, it is very dangerous because the amount of venom entering the body is high. In such cases, you should definitely go to a hospital.
- If a bite occurs inside the mouth, throat, or nose: If swelling occurs in these areas, it may block the airway and make it difficult to breathe. Therefore, seek medical advice immediately.
If you see a wasp nest... how do you remove it?
If you see a wasp nest in your home or garden, the first thing to do is not to panic.
Remember, if the bee's nest is not in a place you visit often, such as a tall tree in a far corner of the garden, it is best to leave it alone without causing any damage.
However, if the cage is near a door, window, or somewhere where children play, it will need to be removed.
Warning: Do not attempt to remove large nests, especially those with aggressive nests, on your own. Seek the help of a professional pest control company or individual. It is important for the safety of you and your family.
If it's a small nest that you think you can remove yourself, follow these steps:
- Wear protective clothing: Wear thick, full-coverage clothing. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, boots, gloves, and a face mask. Tie your pants and shirt cuffs.
- Choose the right time: The best time to do this is after dark or before dawn, when the beetles are least active.
- Use the right equipment: There are aerosol sprays specifically for wasps and hornets. Choose one that can penetrate far. For underground nests, you can use insecticide dust.
If the nest is not completely destroyed the first time, do it again in a few days. But always think about safety as much as possible.
Take-Home Message
- Not all types of wasps and hornets are aggressive, but always be careful near their nests.
- Identify the difference between a wasp and a bee. Wasps have smooth, shiny bodies. Bees have stingers.
- Although a single wasp sting is usually not dangerous, it can cause pain and swelling.
- If you are showing severe allergy symptoms such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or have been bitten by a wasp , go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- If you have questions about allergies, talk to your doctor about it.
- Do not attempt to remove large wasp nests yourself. Seek the help of an experienced professional.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Are a Hornet and a Wasp the same animal? How do you tell the two apart?
These two are not the same animal! Wasp is a small insect with yellow and black stripes, a thin body (thin waist). But Hornet is much larger than wasp, dark red/brown and black, and is a very aggressive animal. Wasps often come to houses in search of food/honey. Also, a wasp sting can cause a very dangerous poisoning (Anaphylaxis) than a wasp sting!
💬 What is the most basic first aid to be performed at home after being stung by a wasp or hornet?
The first thing to do is to check if the stinger is stuck in the skin. If so, gently remove it with a cotton swab/credit card (don't squeeze it with your fingers, as this will only cause more venom to enter the body!). Then, wash the area with soap and apply an ice cube to reduce swelling. If you suspect you have an allergy, you can take a Chlorpheniramine/Cetirizine tablet from the pharmacy.
💬 What are the dangerous 'Red Flags' that should prompt you to go to the hospital without delay, not just stay at home when you have a heart attack?
The venom of a wasp is deadly! The biggest danger! Within minutes of being bitten, if 1) 'Shortness of breath' occurs, 2) the face, eyes, lips and tongue swell up greatly (Angioedema), 3) red blisters all over the body and dizziness/loss of consciousness (Anaphylactic Shock), the patient can die in seconds! You should immediately call an ambulance or take him to the emergency department of the hospital!
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