Being stung by a wasp is painful – there’s no doubt about that. However, being stung by a wasp can ultimately pose a lot more of a threat than just causing pain. Unfortunately, some individuals are extremely allergic to wasp stings and need immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to learn the cause or a wasp sting and what to look out for to prevent a serious health risk or possible death if you or a loved one has an allergic reaction. If you or your family member has a server allergy or unknown allergy to wasp stings, it’s important that you educate yourself on the possible threats and how to properly manage a sting in the case of an allergic reaction.
Why Wasps Sting Humans
There can be a few reasons as to why a wasp would sting a human, however, most of the time it’s because the wasp feels some type of threat. While in the wild, a wasp uses its stinger to catch their prey, while with humans, they use their stinger for defense. Most animals and insects will feel the need to protect their habitats if they think it’s being threatened. The only way that a wasp knows how to protect themselves and their home is to sting the predators. Another reason why a wasp might sting is when they feel agitated or annoyed. Humans are the same way except we don’t have that stinger to attack the person or thing that’s annoying us. Normally, however, a wasp will usually only sting when it feels threatened by either someone trying to attack their home or kill them. Of course, you would be pretty annoyed too if you had someone waving around a newspaper, attempting to kill you!
Why Stings Can be Dangerous
Sure, being stung hurts, but there are more dangers that arise when a person is stung. Especially if they are allergic to the wasp sting. The anxiety that sets in when being stung by a wasp can be quite stressful, especially when you have never been stung before or it’s a child being stung. But for those that are allergic to a wasp sting, things can become life-threatening. Since wasps tend to sting multiple times during an attack, the danger rises even higher. It’s important to be aware if you are allergic to wasp stings and carry specific medication and seek out immediate medical attention if it happens. If you are quick to intervene with the reaction, there is a lower risk of the reaction becoming fatal. However, these anaphylactic reactions can cause you to stop breathing if you do not manage the situation immediately.
Allergic Reactions
Generally, a person is not allergic to the actual insect, but the venom that they produce with their sting. Allergic reactions can vary from person to person as well as the severity. Some individuals may not need medical attention and will only experience local pain and swelling. However, a more serious reaction, such as anaphylactic sting reactions, can become fatal. It’s important to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction before it becomes too late.
Avoiding Being Stung
While sometimes you can’t avoid the sting, especially if the wasp is already agitated and on a mission to sting someone, there are ways you can prevent or lower your chances of being stung in the first place. Here are some effective tips to avoid becoming the victim of a wasp sting:
- Do not disturb a wasps nest and avoid the area if possible
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, remembering to keep it light during the hot weather
- Avoid wearing fragrances, bright colors, and consuming sugary drinks when outdoors
- Do not swat at a wasp or bee
- Keep your shoes on when walking outdoors
- Keep your garbage away from the areas of which you are enjoying outdoor activities
There will most likely be a time during your life where you get stung by a wasp unless you’re one of the lucky few who get away with it. Unfortunately, you won’t know if you’re allergic to a wasp sting until you’ve been stung. If you are stung for the first time and discover the symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention fast to prevent any harmful reactions. And if you already know you are allergic to wasp stings, make sure you keep your medication with you at all times to avoid these severe reactions. Call us for professional wasp removal Toronto services to a quick wasp nest removal and extermination.