1. The Types of Wasps:
•The Solitary Wasp, a lone hunter, really isn't much of a threat. They usually only target one kind of prey. Some types just target flies, some just grasshoppers. So you really don't have to worry about the Solitary Wasp unless you are allergic the their stings.
•The Social Wasp is what you have to look out for. They are very aggressive and they don't take much crap from anybody. Anyone that gets near their nest is seen as a threat - so if you get too close (OUCH!) you will get stung. The stinger on a wasp, unlike a bee, does not break off during the sting; therefore you can be stung numerous times by one single wasp. Some species can nest underneath leaves on the ground, as well as clumps of moss, in trees, on a garage ceiling, the corner of a window, underground, even in an old car. The colonies that nest above ground; the aerial colonies, tend to be smaller than those that nest underground. The underground colonies could nest in an old snake hole, or some other rodent hole, so be careful when around any holes in the yard. All wasps die when temperatures get below freezing, except for the fertilized Queen. The Queen will hibernate until the spring. When it comes out of hibernation it will seek a new place to start a colony. If you see a wasp flying around your attic, or garage in the beginning of spring KILL IT immediately! Use a fly swatter or house-hold insecticide. If you do not get rid of it you will probably have a colony somewhere in your house soon. The queen is solely responsible for starting a colony.
2. Wasp Stings
Treatment for Wasp Stings
•Wash the area where you were stung with soap, and water.
•Put an ice pack or some sort of cold compress on the sting to relieve the swelling and pain. (Learn how to get rid of swelling)
•Apply an antihistamine cream, such as benadryl within two minutes of the stinging to reduce the allergic reaction.
•Mix a paste of baking soda (For other uses of baking soda, read how to make baking soda applications) and water, and apply to the affected area.
•To weaken the venom, mix a past made with one-quarter tablespoon of meat tenderizer and one or two teaspoons of water.
How to Prevent a Wasp Sting
•Avoid wearing perfumes and other sweet smelling substances.
•Avoid wearing bright clothing as it can be attract this aggressive insect.
•Avoid flowering shrubs, and beds of flowers.
•Outdoor activities like barbecues can attract wasps. They love the smell of sweet foods. Any nearby garbage might also attract them.
Wasp Allergies
Many people are allergic to the sting of wasps. The range of reactions runs the gambit from only mildly painful and itchy, to sending a person into anaphylactic shock that can result in death if not treated immediately.