Paper wasps and hornets have a lance-like stinger and can sting repeatedly. When a paper wasp or hornet is near you, slowly raise your hands to protect your face, remaining calm and stationary for a while and then move very slowly away. Never ever swing, strike or run rapidly away since quick movement often provokes attack and painful stings. Restrain kids from throwing rocks or spraying nests with water. Avoid creating loud noises and disturbance near the nest.
When outdoors, avoid the use of heavily scented soaps, shampoos, perfumes, colognes, after-shaves and cosmetics. Avoid shiny buckles and jewelry. Cover exposed skin and wear gray, white or tan rather than bright colors.
Aside from that, remember that if a paper wasp or hornet gets into the car while driving, never panic. It wants out of the car as much as you want it out. Gradually pull over off the road, and open the car windows and doors. Trying to remove or kill a paper wasp or hornet while the car is moving can result in accidents.
Paper Wasps and Hornets – Treatment of Stings
After being stung, immediately apply a poultice of meat tenderizer to the wound. When the sting is not deep, this will break down the components of the sting fluid, decreasing the pain.
A commercial preparation like a sting kill swab may be used. Antihistamine ointments and tablets taken orally appear effective in reducing sting reactions. Persons highly sensitive to stings ought to consider a desenitization program in an allergy clinic.
Consult your physician about medical kits like Ana-Kit, which contains antihistamine tablets and aqueous epinephrine (adrenalin) administered by injection, a tourniquet and sterile alcohol swabs for cleaning the injection site. Frequently, a bronchodilator material (inhaler) is needed.
Hypersensitive persons should never be alone when outdoors at the summit season of wasp and hornet activity. When stung, help may be needed to start prompt emergency treatment measures. Medic Alert Tags could be purchased from Medic Alert Foundation, Box 1009, Turlock, California 95381-1009, Telephone – 209-668-3333.
