Wasps abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?
What are hornets, wasps, and bees?
- Hornets are essentially somewhat large wasps, with the Japanese giant hornet found in Japan being truly impressive with a wingspan of six centimeters.
- In common parlance, 'wasps' often refers to the 'common wasp' with black and yellow stripes. However, for biologists, there are hundreds of different wasp species, most of which cannot or will not sting.
- When it comes to stinging bees, we are usually talking about honey bees. The many bee species that lead a more solitary life usually cannot even sting if they wanted to.
- Incidentally, there are many insects that resemble the stinging versions but wouldn't hurt a fly. Think, for example, of hoverflies, bee flies, and parasitic wasps that look like wasps/bees but have little to do with them in terms of stinging behavior.
When do wasps, hornets, and bees sting?
- An insect stings in self-defense, but it is a risky strategy that is usually more dangerous for the individual than fleeing. As a result, stinging is something that primarily occurs among insects that live in groups or colonies.
- Stinging insects will only become aggressive if you (unintentionally) disturb a nest. When they are eating, for example, bumblebees and bees, in particular, are generally difficult to anger.
- If you corner these animals, for example by walking barefoot in the grass, or by trying to pick the same plum that a wasp has already started eating, you will get stung.
How can you prevent a wasp, bee, or hornet sting?
- Stay away from their nests.
- Disturbed a nest by accident? Run! Bees, in particular, often attack collectively, and they will often actually fly after you for a moment (just like in cartoons).
- Is a wasp flying around your head? Above all, do not swat or wave wildly if you would rather not get stung.
What can you do after a sting from a wasp, bee, or hornet?
- An insect sting is usually only briefly painful and causes a slight swelling that sometimes itches.
- If you are attacked and stung by multiple individuals at the same time, it is wise to call a doctor or even an ambulance.
- The sting of the giant Japanese hornet (which lives in Japan) always requires medical assistance and kills dozens of people annually.
- With all stinging insects, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. In that situation, a sting can cause very severe and dangerous swelling, and medical help is often necessary.
- Remove the stinger if still present, using tweezers if available.
- Thoroughly wash the sting site with soap and water.
- Cool the stung area with water or an ice pack to reduce swelling and itching.
