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KEY FACTS

  • The English Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the European or German wasp (Vespula germanica) have become established in Uganda.
  • The Papernest Wasp nests are generally smaller and are the wasp nests you are most likely to see on external surfaces of your home or business.
  • Other wasp species are also considered pests but are far less common.
  • Wasps have much less hair on their bodies than bees.
  • Wasps have a tighter waist between the thorax and abdomen than bees.
  • Wasps are sometimes mistaken for hornets as they are similar in appearance, but wasps are smaller in size.
  • Wasps have distinctive yellow and black markings on their bodies.
  • They have three main body parts; the head, thorax and the abdomen.
  • Worker wasps vary in size from 12-17mm.
  • Only female wasps sting and can do so repeatedly.

SIGNS OF WASP NESTS

Wasps make their nests from chewed wood pulp and saliva, giving them distinctive papery walls. Nests are usually built in sheltered spots with easy access to the outside. You can often find wasp nests in wall cavities, roof spaces, under eaves, in bird boxes, sheds or garages.

To locate a nest, carefully watch the flight path of the returning wasps, this becomes easier later in the summer as the numbers of wasps increase.

At first, a wasp nest will start off very small. When a Queen wasp starts to build a nest in spring it is usually about the size of a walnut or golf ball.

As summer progresses the nest will grow rapidly in size, as the number of wasps increase. A nest can become the size of a football, or even bigger in some cases. It is best to treat a nest earlier in the year before numbers increase and the wasps become more aggressive.

If you are experiencing high numbers of wasps in your home or garden there is likely to be a nest nearby, either on your property, in your garden or very close by. A mature wasp nest in summer can contain thousands of wasps.

It is important to treat a wasp nest early to reduce the threat of a wasp sting, which can be very painful and even cause an allergic reaction. If you disturb a nest, you may provoke the wasps inside to attack and sting you as a form of defence.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WASPS AND BEES

It is possible to confuse wasps with bees. However the treatment available for a wasp nest and a bee hive differ.

Since bees are highly beneficial to the environment and some species are under threat, bees should not be killed and bee hives should be left undisturbed whenever possible. If a bee hive represents a high risk (such as a bee hive in the home or a hospital or near those who are allergic to bee stings), request for bee removal (that the bee hive be moved to a safe area).

In most cases, removing the bee hive or colony as a very last resort, and only if it is considered a serious threat to people. In the case of honey bees this will only be done after contacting a qualified bee keeper. Treatments for a wasp nest are far more common and can be carried out by a relevant operator who specialises in wasp control and removal.

PREVENTING WASP STINGS

A sting by a social or common wasp (also known as a yellow jacket) is a painful experience. It can be very upsetting and frightening for young children. Wasp stings may even be life threatening to people allergic to the poison in stings. This allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis.

People who have been stung several times previously and have become sensitised are more likely to suffer this systemic reaction. The good news is that this type of allergic reaction is rare and it is even rarer for it to be fatal.

A wasp sting is a form of defense. If wasps feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed it makes them very aggressive and provokes them to sting. In spring wasps hunt aphids, greenfly and other insects to feed grubs in the nest. At this time wasps will only become aggressive if they think their nest or their young are under threat.

TIPS TO AVOID STINGS

Luckily there are some easy, practical things you can do yourself to try and avoid being stung.

  • Do not panic – If you find there are wasps nearby keep calm and move slowly away.
  • Do not scream, flap your arms or swat them – This will just agitate them and make them more aggressive.
  • Avoid strong, sweet smells – Do not use highly perfumed fragrances, shampoos, hair sprays.
  • Avoid bright colours – Do not wear bright, bold floral patterns on clothes and bags, which could attract wasps.
  • Avoid orchards – Or any soft fruit plants and even uncovered bins, where wasps gather seeking food.
  • Avoid open drinks – If drink cans or bottles are left unattended, it may encourage wasps to crawl inside.
  • Cover food and drink – Always keep food and drink covered when eating outdoors to deter wasps.
  • Stay clean – Ensure children’s hands/faces are cleaned after eating sweet foods/drinks.

TREATMENT FOR WASP STINGS

Symptoms of wasp stings include:

  • difficulty breathing
  • wheezing
  • vomiting
  • nausea or diarrhoea
  • feeling faint or dizzy
  • swollen face or mouth
  • problems swallowing

It is difficult to know how you might react to a wasp sting, if you have never been stung before. There are some practical things you can do to help with any pain you might feel:

  • Use a cold compress such as an ice-pack or cold flannel.
  • Take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to soothe any pain.
  • Take antihistamine tablets to reduce any small localised swelling around the sting.
  • If you are in any doubt about a wasp sting please consult a doctor or medical professional.

The allergic reaction anaphylaxis can occur when someone becomes sensitised to the poison in the sting. It is a rare reaction but can be fatal.