{"id":1331,"date":"2014-07-24T14:12:45","date_gmt":"2014-07-24T14:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ipmpestcontrol.co.uk\/?p=1331"},"modified":"2017-04-11T16:29:49","modified_gmt":"2017-04-11T16:29:49","slug":"dangerous-can-wasps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.ipmpestcontrol.co.uk\/?p=1331","title":{"rendered":"How Dangerous Can Wasps Be?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the summer begins to make its welcome presence felt, the dynamic in the pest control world begins to change.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some pests are known for causing problems during the winter, and some such as wasps, are very much a summer issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Persistent Nuisance<\/h2>\n

For the most part wasps are a nuisance rather than being dangerous but it is essential that people understand that on occasion, wasps can prove to be very dangerous.<\/p>\n

A recent story in the Daily Mail highlighted how a \u2018Father and son in ICU after ‘vicious’ attack by thousands of wasps when they stepped on nest in woods.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

For more on this story please click on the link below:<\/span><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/news\/article-2666990\/Father-son-lucky-survive-vicious-attack-massive-swarm-wasps-walk-woods.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Where Might I Find a Wasps Nest?<\/h2>\n

Wasp nests can be constructed just about anywhere and are made from a combination of chewed wood, plant debris and saliva which is the moulded into \u2018wasp paper\u2019. First a canopy is fixed to the nest location and then a central pedical from which the nest is suspended.<\/p>\n

The presence of the odd wasp is nothing to be concerned about but if you notice an unusually large numbers of wasps around your home, this can be an accurate indicator of a wasp nest in close vicinity. You might also notice a nest that has been constructed.<\/p>\n

Painful Stings<\/h2>\n

Although wasps benefit the environment by controlling other small pests and clearing away dead insects, their stings are painful and can be serious if you’re allergic to them.<\/p>\n

Wasps can give painful sting, and unlike bees they have the ability to sting repeatedly. For a minority of people the venom in their sting causes anaphylactic shock which can be fatal.<\/p>\n

An ordinary sting can be treated with ammonia, alcohol or cold poultices, followed by antihistamine ointment. But seek medical help immediately if you are stung in the mouth or neck, or if you experience giddiness, nausea, unusual swelling or extreme pain following a sting.<\/p>\n

Because the venom in wasps contains a pheromone that causes other wasps to become more aggressive, it is never a good idea to swat one near its nest or other wasps.<\/p>\n

Is There Anything Else I Should Know?<\/h2>\n

The queen then builds a layer of hexagonal downward facing cell radially from the central pedical. Layers of \u2018wasp paper\u2019 then covers the nest providing protection from the elements and conserving heat. Wasps will never re-use a nest thus, a new nest will be constructed each year.<\/p>\n

It is advisable to never attempt to tackle a wasp nest yourself.<\/p>\n