Wasp on the Rise as a Threat to Humans and Animals

The wasp is a small, slender creature that often goes unnoticed. They are not generally considered to be dangerous, but that is changing as the species is evolving and becoming more aggressive. In particular, the European wasp is on the rise as a threat to both humans and animals.

These wasps like to build their nests in sheltered places such as in lofts, eaves and garages. They can also be found nesting in trees, bushes and even on the ground. A single nest can house up to 3000 wasps, so it's important to be aware of their presence and take steps to avoid being stung.

European wasps feed on a variety of things, including nectar, fruit, insects and other arthropods. They are also known to scavenge for food near picnic areas, rubbish dumps and animal carcasses. As they become increasingly hungry due to the changing climate, they are likely to invade more populated areas in search of food.

In addition to being a nuisance, these wasps can also pose a threat to humans and animals. Their stings can be painful and even deadly in some cases. European wasps have also been known to attack people who are trying to remove their nests from around homes or businesses.

If you come across a nest of European wasps, it is best to leave it alone and contact a professional pest control expert for safe removal. Do not try to remove the nest yourself – you could get stung!

Yellow Jacket Wasps Becoming More Aggressive

In recent years, there has been a noted uptick in yellow jacket wasp aggression. This is especially concerning for those who have to work outside in the summer months when these insects are most active. The increase in yellow jacket behavior seems to be correlated with the decline of honey bees, which these wasps usually prey on.

Yellow jacket wasps are easily identified by their black and yellow coloring. They can be anywhere from ⅛-inch to ½-inch long, depending on the species. They are most active between May and September, and build nests out of chewed-up paper fiber mixed with saliva. Nests can be found anywhere from a few feet off the ground to high up in trees.

While they are not typically aggressive towards humans, yellow jacket wasps can sting repeatedly if they feel threatened. Their stings are painful and can cause anaphylactic shock in people who are allergic. In addition, their stings can also contain venom that can make you sick.

If you are being bothered by yellow jacket wasps, there are a few things you can do to deter them:

• Avoid wearing brightly colored clothes or scented cosmetics or lotions.

• Don't attempt to remove a nest yourself. Contact a professional pest control company instead.

• If you do get stung, remove the stinger as quickly as possible using tweezers or your fingers (if you're wearing gloves). Apply ice or a cold pack to the area to reduce swelling and pain

Wasp Sting Can Be Fatal If Not Treated Quickly

If you are stung by a wasp, the best thing to do is remove the stinger as quickly as possible. Wasp venom can be fatal if not treated quickly, so it's important to get medical help right away.

Some people are allergic to wasp venom, and they may experience anaphylactic shock. This is a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and nausea or vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms after being stung by a wasp, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Wasps Prefer Sweet Foods, but Will Eat Meat If They're Hungry Enough

Insects are perhaps some of the most versatile eaters on the planet. With a diet that can range from nectar and sweet fruit to decaying matter and meat, they have the ability to thrive in a wide variety of environments. This adaptability is especially evident in wasps, which are not only able to consume sweets, but also have no problem dining on meat if they're hungry enough.

Most wasps feed primarily on carbohydrates in the form of nectar and sweet fruits. This preference for sugary foods is likely due to the fact that these items are typically high in energy and easy to digest. In addition, wasps need sugar for energy in order to produce eggs. As a result, many species of wasp can be found pollinating flowers or raiding beehives for honey.

However, wasps will also eat meat if presented with the opportunity. This scavenging behavior is most commonly seen in species that live near human settlements, where they will scavenge food waste or even hunt small insects and reptiles. Some wasp species have even been known to prey on vertebrates such as frogs and lizards. While meat is not generally their first choice when it comes to food, wasps will consume it if necessary to survive.

How to Identify a Wasp, and What to Do If You're Stung

Summertime means picnics, swimming, camping, and other outdoor activities. It also means an increase of wasps. Despite their beneficial role as predators of other insects, wasps can be a nuisance and even a safety hazard. If you're unlucky enough to get stung by one, it's helpful to know how to identify the culprit and take steps to ease the pain and inflammation.

The easiest way to distinguish between different types of wasps is by their coloration. Yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets, and paper wasps are all black and yellow. Ground-nesting yellowjackets have distinctive black-and-white stripes on their abdomen. Other types of wasps are brown or black with white markings.

If you're not sure what kind of wasp you've encountered, take a picture or get close enough for a good look. An online guide such as wasp identification can help you match your specimen to one of the many species of wasp found in North America.

Many people are allergic to wasp venom and can suffer from anaphylaxis if stung. Symptoms include swelling of the lips, throat, and airways; difficulty breathing; a rapid heartbeat; dizziness; and nausea or vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms after being stung, seek emergency medical attention right away.

In most cases, however, milder reactions such as swelling and redness around the sting site are common. To relieve discomfort, apply ice packs or cold compresses for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can also take over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl to help reduce swelling and itching.