Wasp Infestation Continues: Prevention is Better than Cure

Enjoying a lemonade on the terrace or having a nice lunch in the garden in peace: although the weather allows it, wasps are spoiling the fun. In recent months, significantly more wasps have been spotted than in previous summers. Therefore, we are happy to explain how to prevent getting stung and what to do if it happens.

Did you know that:

Wasps are also very useful? They chase away mosquitoes and other insects.
You should immediately dispose of a dead wasp? A dead wasp leaves behind a bit of venom that attracts other wasps.
You should never suck out a wasp sting? You might be allergic yourself.

Stay calm
Due to the drought and warm weather, we can't escape it this summer: wasps buzzing annoyingly around your head and searching for sweetness. A major annoyance for many. But what should you do if a wasp comes near you? Although it is tempting to swat a wasp away, it is important not to do so. Do not panic and remain calm. Wasps do not aim to sting you; they are only looking for food.

Danger of a wasp sting
Are you stung? Then this is generally not dangerous unless you are allergic. If you experience severe shortness of breath, signs of shock, and/or swelling around your neck after being stung, call 112 immediately. Also, if someone is stung in the mouth or throat, it is important to contact emergency services immediately.

What to do with a wasp sting?
A wasp sting can feel painful. Is your child stung by a wasp? Then do notsuck out the wound. You might be allergic yourself. Is there a stinger in the wound? You can remove it with your nail or the blunt side of a knife. Then cool the sting site with a damp cloth or a cold pack. If necessary, you can use a cooling ointment (with menthol or Aloe Vera) to prevent skin irritation. If the skin remains swollen or the swelling increases, contact your doctor. uit. Het kan namelijk zijn dat je zelf allergisch bent. Zit er een angel in de wond? Dan kun je deze verwijderen met je nagel of met de botte kant van een mes. Koel de plaats van de steek vervolgens met een natte doek of een coldpack. Indien nodig kun je een verkoelende zalf gebruiken (met menthol of Aloë Vera) om huidirritatie tegen te gaan. Blijft de huid gezwollen of neemt de zwelling toe? Neem dan contact op met je huisarts.

Prevention is better than cure
How can you prevent getting stung? First, stay calm. Wasps only sting when they feel threatened. So do not swat around. Additionally, we have seven more tips for you:

Drink through a straw. This prevents a wasp from going down your throat. You can optionally cover the glass with cling film and insert the straw through it.
Are you drinking from a can? Keep a close eye on the can and make sure no wasp crawls in.
Protect your food with nets.
Do not use sweet scents, such as sweet perfume or deodorant.
Do not leave food scraps in the garden or on the counter.
Did you kill a wasp? Make sure to remove it. The wasp leaves a stinger with a bit of venom that attracts other wasps.
Are you very bothered by wasps? Then make your own wasp trap by cutting a plastic bottle in half. Put lemonade in the bottle and place the top of the bottle upside down on the bottom. Note: do this only if you are very bothered by wasps. The wasp trap will also attract wasps.