Wasps
The common wasp and the German wasp have given wasps a bad reputation overall. The wasps sting as soon as they feel threatened or their nest is threatened.
It is therefore essential to avoid fast and violent movements!
Appearance and characteristics of wasps
Vespula is a genus of the true wasp family found worldwide. There are several species within the genus, including the German wasp (Vespula germanica) and the common wasp (vespula vulgaris).
These wasps are social insects and live in collective communities with a queen and workers. They build their nests out of paper and plant fibers and feed on nectar, honey and insects, and are largely predatory by killing other insects. Wasps also pollinate flowers and even eat smaller pests.
Most species are short-lived and disappear again from the end of August. The fertilized queen hibernates sheltered in cracks, woodpiles and other shelters. In a kind of cold rigidity with a very reduced metabolism, she is waiting for spring.
Danger from wasps
The wasps sting as soon as they feel threatened or their nest is threatened. It is therefore essential to avoid fast and violent movements! It is also not recommended to blow the animals away, as the carbon dioxide in the breath is perceived as an alarm signal in the wasps' nest.
When wasps sting, an alarm pheromone is released, which attracts other wasps and can thus lead to further stings. Unlike bees, the stinger has no barbs, so wasps can sting multiple times and then not die like bees.
In general, it is important to leave the place of immediate danger immediately!
A wasp sting can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people, leading to difficulty breathing or even shock, which has claimed some lives. It is therefore strongly recommended to avoid their nests and to treat wasps and hornets with care.
Once stung, pressing a halved onion onto the sting will help. The essential oils and the evaporative cooling reduce the pain and swelling to some extent.
We designate two species of wasps as disruptive and sometimes dangerous. First, the common wasp, which can be found in gardens, parks, and forests, where it frequently encounters humans in search of food.
Then the German wasp, a larger species of wasp found in Europe and Asia. Whoever enjoys fruit cake, juice and ice cream outside, attracts the wasps with the sweet dishes. Both species threaten humans outdoors and indoors, pouncing on their food and therefore disturbing humans in their natural habitat.
We are happy to advise you.
