The sting of the red wasp is its most efficient weapon against anything or anyone– in this case, possibly you– that interrupts its nest. Red wasp stings usually lead to nothing more than a temporary welt that’s painful, irritated and itchy. The majority of the important things you need to treat red wasp stings, in addition to stings from other irascible pests, such as bees, hornets and yellow jackets, can be found in your home.
Red Wasp Sting Remedy
Red wasps, likewise known as paper wasps, make their nests under the eaves of your house or in or on other structures, along with plants and trees. Inning accordance with Texas A&M’s Department of Entomology, just female red wasps can hurt you, as male wasps do not have a stinger. The female red wasp can sting you consistently when she feels her home grass is threatened. If the wasp’s nest is in a place where you and your household often traffic, remove it using a high-pressure water hose pipe. Clear the area and stand at a fair distance so wasps will not begin a vindictive strike versus you or other passers-by.
How to Eliminate the Stinger
If you’ve been stung by a red wasp, your first order of business is to rapidly get rid of the stinger so it does not continue to launch venom– the substance that causes your skin to swell and redden. You can do this in one of a number of ways. The National Institutes of Health recommends using a blunt object such as a butter knife and scraping it over the sting thoroughly. At the same time, use tweezers or your fingertips to remove the stinger. Beware not to break or put pressure on the venom sac at the end of the stinger, cautions the NIH; you might inadvertently express more wasp venom into your skin.
Follow-Up Care
After the wasp stinger has been removed, clean the stung area of skin well with soap and water. The sting will no doubt smart. To ease swelling, use a cold compress, such as ice covered in a towel or washcloth, and apply it to your skin. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration suggests putting the compress on the skin for 10 minutes, then removing it for 10 minutes, duplicating the procedure as required. If you or the individual you’re treating has problems with blood circulation, use the compress for much shorter durations.
Other Ways to Decrease Discomfort
A basic natural home remedy for pest stings is mixing up 3 teaspoons baking soda to 1 teaspoon water and smearing the paste on the bite several times a day. You might also head to your closest pharmacy to pick up 0.5 or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to relieve itching and pain. MayoClinic.com likewise suggests taking an oral nonprescription antihistamine that contains diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine maleate.
Caution
One or two people out of every 1,000 have deadly allergies to insect stings, inning accordance with the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program. You may observe symptoms of wasp sting hypersensitivity right away after being stung or approximately 30 minutes later. Hives, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and headache may signal sting hypersensitivity. More dire symptoms of anaphylaxis– the most severe type of allergic response– include shock, dizziness, difficulty breathing and a swollen throat. If you see these symptoms, do not attempt to treat yourself. Call 9-1-1 to receive emergency care.
