It is commonly thought that stinging insects, like wasps, are the most active during the summer months.  Did you know, though, that wasps remain very active even into the autumn months?

Every year, at least 40 people die from reactions to insect stings, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. However, these are extreme reactions to the stings and most people have much milder reactions.

It is important as we enter into fall to be aware of these insects and know how to minimize the chances of being stung as well as how to handle the situation in the case that you are stung.

Types
Some of the more common types of these stinging insects include:

Paper wasps: ¾” long, this species is the most likely to be around buildings. The paper wasp nest is a single comb of hexagonal cells made of a papery material created by the wasps.

Yellowjackets: this aggressive species is responsible for more stings than any other kind of wasp or bee. Marked with a bright, shiny black and yellow abdomen, this species is very recognizable. Their nests can be several feet across and house up to 3,000 yellowjackets. In the fall, yellowjacket numbers increase and they tend to scavenge more aggressively during this time. Yellowjackets can sting repeatedly – they do not lose their stinger, like bees do.

Hornets: also known as the bald-faced hornet, this insect is about ¾” long and black and white with a distinctive white face. Hornet nests are the basket-ball sized oval commonly seen hanging in trees and attics. These nests can be home to 700 hornets.

Ground hornets: Ground hornets are a variety of yellowjackets that create subterranean nests.  When the nest is disturbed and the colony agitated, these hornets can be a very aggressive species. Like the yellowjackets, colony activity often peaks in during the autumn months. Ground hornets will sting repeatedly with very little provacation.

If You’ve Been Stung:
People who have been stung several times in the past are at a higher risk of anaphalatic shock, as the body may overreact to the venom produced from the sting. If you have had mild reactions in the past to stings, see your physician.  You may be prescribed an EpiPen in the case of a more severe reaction.  However, if you know you have any sort of allergy to bee or wasp stings, seek medical attention immediately after being stung.

For non-severe reactions, there are ways to treat bee stings at home. Here’s a few first-aid steps to help care for a hornet or wasp sting.

1. Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Place ice on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat as necessary.
3. If needed, take an antihistamine or apply creams that reduce itching.
4. Over the next several days, watch for signs of infection (such as increasing redness, swelling, or pain).

 Prevention:

Avoid Attraction. Many wasps and hornets are scavengers and will seek out a wide variety of foods, including fruits, pop, jelly, salads and meats. Do not leave foods in the open; placing leftover foods into sealed containers will help discourage their presence. Be aware of open pop containers – yellowjackets seek sweet liquids like this.

Avoid perfumes and floral-patterned or dark clothing. The mixture of sweet scents and the alluring flower patterns is a dinner-bell to most of the stinging insects.  If you know you are going to be outside, be aware of what you put on.

Be prepared.  For those who have a serious allergy to insect bites or stings, carry an emergency epinephrine kit (which requires a prescription). Friends and family should be taught how to use it if you have a reaction. Wear a medical ID bracelet.

 Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Illinois Department of Public Health

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