European wasp

Europe, Asia and North Africa. Since the European wasp is an introduced species, it doesn’t have natural predators in United States to keep its numbers in check. In Europe, the cold winters ensure that only the Queen wasp can live, but the warmer climate of United States means the entire nest can survive.

Some nests may contain more than 100,000 wasps. Lack of predators and good weather conditions means that the European wasp is an increasing problem in United States. This insect likes to live around humans because of the ready supply of food and drink, particularly of the sweet varieties.

The characteristics of the European wasp include:

• The wings are folded when at rest. Unlike a bee
• which can only sting once (and leaves the stinger behind in the skin)
• the European wasp can sting repeatedly. It emits a scent chemical (pheromone) that alerts other European wasps to attack

The sting of a European wasp has certain features, including: Local inflammation. Although they are painful, isolated wasp stings seldom cause serious problems.

However, the venom contains toxins that can cause allergic reactions in susceptible people.

Around one in 10 people who are stung two or more times become allergic, which means they will experience severe reactions to any subsequent stings. The most severe allergic reaction of all is anaphylaxis, which may be life threatening.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include: Unconsciousness

Since 2008, all licensed children’s services and schools in Michigan are required to have an anaphylaxis management policy in place. You should seek urgent medical attention if: There is a history of an allergic reaction to European wasp stings. First aid steps for less severe stings include:

• Clean the affected area with soap
• warm water

Use a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain. Use pain-relieving medication and creams. Prolonged swelling at the site of the sting may respond to antihistamines – see your pharmacist for further advice.

Your doctor may advise you to carry self-injectable adrenalin (for example, EpiPen) if you have previously been stung by wasps. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that can result in death from swollen airways. First aid suggestions include: Call 000 immediately for an ambulance.

If breathing stops, begin resuscitation immediately. Follow the person’s emergency plan if they have one. Administer the person’s own medication in the thigh. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage over the site to restrict the spread of venom.

Avoid all unnecessary movement

It prevents the venom from the sting entering the bloodstream and lymphatic system.

If the sting is not on a limb, firm direct pressure over the site may be beneficial. Otherwise, apply a firm broad bandage over the site, wrapping away from the heart.

Further wrap the complete limb, from the fingers/toes towards the shoulder/groin.

Wrap firmly but not tight

Splint the limb, including the joint above and below the sting if possible. splint once it has been applied.

Keep the person as still as possible

Bring transport to the person if at all possible. use a tourniquet. It is strongly advised that you attend a first aid course to enable you to deal with an emergency of this nature.

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a wasp sting, you will need specialist assessment for immunotherapy after your recovery.

It is strongly recommended that you hire a licensed pest control operator to destroy any wasp nests on your property. This is particularly important if you have experienced an allergic reaction to a wasp sting in the past or if you have never been stung and are unsure of your allergy status to wasp venom.

It may help to locate the nest before you call your local council or pest control operators, since the nest may not be on your property.

Suggestions on how to locate the nest include: The European wasp may forage for food up to half a kilometre away from its nest. You might need to seek the cooperation of your neighbours. Place food (preferably meat) in a visible outdoor location.

Once it has located the food source, the wasp will fly virtually in a straight line back to its nest.

If necessary, keep relocating the food source until you see the wasp fly into its nest.

Nests are usually built in sheltered locations

Typical nest locations can include under the ground and within retaining walls, tree hollows and holes in walls. The nest looks like it’s made of grey papier-mache. You can reduce the population of European wasps around your home and reduce the risk of stings in a number of ways.

Don’t leave food, drink or pet food outside.

Pick up any fallen fruit

Ensure that your outdoor rubbish bins have tight-fitting lids.

Cover compost bins

Cover food during a barbecue or picnic

Don’t drink straight from a can or bottle when outside, as it could contain a wasp – drink from a straw.

If you see a European wasp, leave it alone – it will only attack if provoked. – seven days a week, 24 hours a day – for advice about poisonings, suspected poisonings, bites and stings, mistakes with medicines and poisoning prevention advice.

The European wasp ( Vespula germanica) Physical characteristics of the European wasp Looks similar in size and shape to a bee Around 15mm in length (a Queen is about 20mm long) Bright yellow body with triangle-shaped markings Two long antennae Symptoms of a wasp sting Burning pain Raised lump Redness Severe allergic reactions Itchy, burning or reddened skin Swelling to the mouth, tongue or throat Difficulty breathing or swallowing Noisy breathing Abdominal cramps or nausea Sudden feeling of weakness or collapse Increased heart rate Palpitations, chest pain or tightness Strange metallic taste in the mouth Children may be pale and floppy When to call an ambulance (000) A child is stung more than 5 times An adult is stung more than 10 times Anyone is stung in the mouth or throat, as swelling in these areas can block the airways There is a severe allergic reaction First aid for less severe stings Be alert for signs of anaphylaxis (see Severe allergic reactions First aid if allergic to wasp venom Application of a pressure immobilisation bandage This technique is only for use in the instance of a severe allergic reaction Do not remove Do not How to locate the nest Precautions against the European wasp Where to get help In cases of severe allergic reaction, call 911 Hospital emergency department Michigann Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26 Your doctor Pharmacist Your local council Licensed pest control operators The Pest Control Program at the Department of Health (616) 555-0400.

Key Points

• Although they are painful, isolated wasp stings seldom cause serious problems
• However, the venom contains toxins that can cause allergic reactions in susceptible people
• Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include: Unconsciousness
• It prevents the venom from the sting entering the bloodstream and lymphatic system
• You can reduce the population of European wasps around your home and reduce the risk of stings in a number of ways