Wasps make summer the most uncomfortable time of the year for many. However, one should not act aggressively against the insects.
Whether at a picnic outdoors or eating ice cream in the city: in summer wasps lurk almost everywhere – and above all spoil the fun of eating. There are various myths circulating on the internet about how to deal with the black and yellow pests. You should definitely avoid these mistakes!
Don't show fear
It is well known that hectic movements are unfavorable in the presence of a wasp. But showing fear is not good either. Because the animals perceive anxious impulses. Sweat and carbon dioxide emissions put wasps on alert. The solution? It is better to observe the animals inconspicuously and be patient.
Don't blow away
Chasing away wasps with aggressive blows often does what most fear: a sting. Instead, many tend to chase away the hymenoptera with blows. But that doesn't bode well either. The carbon dioxide contained in the breath also irritates wasps. Once a wasp has stung, that also makes its conspecifics aggressive. The reason for this is the alarm pheromone that is emitted during an attack.
Do not set up wasp traps
To ensure peace and quiet while eating, many people use so-called wasp traps. The animals are simply lured to another place with a sweet drink such as beer or juice. The Naturschutzbund Deutschland advises against it, however, because: The so-called trap attracts many more animals, including hornets. In addition, the animals would drown in agony.
Do not remove wasp nests on your own
If you come across a wasp's nest in your own garden, you shouldn't remove it yourself, no matter what size it is. The animals that live there feel threatened and could attack immediately. It is therefore essential to hire a specialist for the removal. If the nest is in a less frequented place, it should be left hanging for the benefit of the animals. In winter the insects die anyway, only the queen survives and looks for a new place in the following summer. The abandoned nest can be easily removed and belongs on the compost or in the organic waste.
Do not reach for the onion first when stinging
The sliced onion is only moderately helpful in relieving the pain of a fresh sting. Instead, the so-called stitch healer, an electric pen that treats the stitch area with heat, can help. It also reduces itching. An antihistamine ointment is also recommended for the initial treatment of a wasp sting. Only then place the cut onion on the affected area. It has an anti-inflammatory effect.
However, if the sting is in the neck or throat area, the airways can swell life-threateningly – then you should call an emergency doctor immediately.