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How to avoid being stung by wasps.
There’s nothing like a picnic or barbecue outside on a warm summer day.
But at this time of year, it can be a bit of a nightmare eating outside.
Wasps are usually natural pests controllers and tend to eat other insects. But in August and September, they turn to sweet food which makes them much more of a nuisance. The Daily Echo put a few tips together.
If you see a lot of wasps around your home or work you probably have a wasps nest they usually make their nests in sheltered spots so check under trees, in bushes, under eaves, and in your shed.
To stop them getting in your house the British Pest Control Association give the following advice. Keep your windows and doors closed or use standard fly screens to stop them from getting in. Keep your bins shut and away from the house and be sure to close the lid properly.
Check for nests early in the spring when nests will be tiny and easy to deal with.
Rentokil says if a wasp approaches you remain still. But if you have to run away do not flail your arms and run in a straight line. Protect your face and head as wasps are more likely to target those areas. Don’t try to swat it will make it more aggressive. Do not try to seek shelter in water as the wasps will simply wait for you to emerge.
To avoid attracting wasps carefully dispose of all food and drink cans especially soft drink cans. Keep all areas of your property clean and tidy, check for any activity from wasps before gardening., avoid strong scents, protect your feet by wearing closed shoes. If you use a spray to kill a wasp leave the room after spraying, dying wasps are prone to stinging when it may be stunned rather than dead.
The advice from NHS if you’ve been stung is to remove the sting if it’s still in the skin, wash the affected area with soap and water, apply a cold compress or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes, raise or elevate the affected area if possible to reduce swelling, avoid scratching the area to reduce the risk of infection, avoid the traditional home remedies such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda as they are not likely to help.
To remove the sting scrape it out sideways with something with a hard edge, such as a bank card or your fingernails if there is nothing else at hand. Do not pinch the sting with your fingers or tweezers as this can cause infection.
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