How to Deal with Wasp Sting

Recently, my family decided to put up a poultry unit in an abandoned wooden house that has been neglected for a while. There were gaps in the double roofing that needed to be covered with some simple wire mesh. This is a no brainer. With a ladder in place, hammer, nails, and elbow grease, I was set for the task. In a couple of minutes, I was almost done but for the last fixing on a loose wood frame. As I triumphantly pushed the last piece of timber, an instant, sharp burning sensation pierced me at the neck. And in a flash of a second, another pain seared on my left upper. Screaming and yelling in pain, I ran to the kitchen…..

So, what should one do if they are stung by a wasp? Is there any help in the kitchen before calling Rove Pest Control to deal with the wasp menace?

Stinging insects have different stings varying from acidic to alkaline. The body, therefore, reacts differently and requires different treatment. However, if you are allergic to stings, you should seek medical attention to alleviate symptoms and complications. If you’re the lucky lot like me, a few kitchen remedies can ease pain, subsides swelling, and control itchiness.

  • Baking Soda- Make a thick paste of sodium bicarbonate and water and cover the sting area. This application will ease the burning sensation and reduce swelling.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar- Soak a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and apply pressure on the sting. Acetic acid helps neutralize the wasp poisonous alkali substance.
  • Lemon juice- Slice a lemon into half and squeeze its juice on a clean cotton pad. Then apply the extracted juice on the wasp sting. If you do not have a fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice is a suitable alternative.
  • Meat tenderizer-It contains papain that reduces pain and swelling by breaking down the wasp venom. Create a paste with water and apply with a clean cloth.
  • Wet tea bag-Run the bag in cold water and apply to reduce swelling and reduce inflammation.

How different is a wasp from a bee sting?

  • A wasp can sting more than once unlike a bee that stings once.
  • Bees are considered vegetarian, while wasps are carnivorous. This explains why a wasp hangs around your hamburger. It feeds on animal-based protein while you spot a bee around your fresh juicy fruit.
  • A honey bee leaves the stinger lodged in the skin, while a wasp will attack and retain the stinger.
  • Wasp Sting Reactions

 The following are the symptoms of a wasp sting.

  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Sharp pain and swelling

However, severe symptoms can lead to anaphylaxis. A condition that occurs when the body goes into shock because of the toxin from the wasp. Symptoms include:

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Swelling of the throat lips and face
  • Wheezing, or gasping for breathe
  • Itching in areas not affected by the sting
  • Drop in the blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weak pulse rate

Anyone displaying these symptoms requires emergency medical attention. This reveals airway, breathing, and circulation complications.