Are Wasps Dangerous? Understanding Stings and Nest Disturbance in Hertford
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes after a sting, and which symptoms demand an emergency call, takes the panic out of a moment that is usually manageable.
In the first minute: get away
The most important first step is to move away from the wasp and, if there is a nest, from the area. Walk, do not run in a flailing way. Wasps that have stung once may sting again, and others may join in if a nest is involved. Go indoors if you can, and close the door behind you.
If a wasp is on you, stay as still as possible and let it fly off, or brush it away gently. Slapping or swatting increases the chance of being stung.
Hertford is the county town of Hertfordshire, but these steps are the same wherever you are. They are general information, not medical advice, and cannot replace the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
If the person who is stung is a child, reassure them and take them somewhere quiet. Fear raises the heart rate and makes pain feel worse, and a calm adult makes a big difference. Explain what you are going to do before you do it, and keep it simple.
Treat the sting
Remove the sting if one is visible, by scraping or picking it out as quickly as you can.
Clean the skin with soap and water.
Apply a cold pack, or a cloth wrung out in cold water, to reduce swelling and soothe the pain.
Keep the limb raised if it is swelling.
Avoid scratching.
Keep watching for changes over the next hour or so.
That is all most stings need. Ask a pharmacist if you would like advice about soothing the area, and do not use anyone else’s medicines without advice.
If a stung hand has a ring on it, take the ring off early, before swelling makes it hard. The same applies to a bracelet or watch. This is a small point that is easily forgotten, and it can save an uncomfortable trip to have a ring cut off.
Keep the person comfortable and resting for a little while. A hot drink and a sit-down are sensible after a fright, though a sip of water is better if the sting was in or near the mouth.
Signs that mean call 999
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Wheeze, tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing.
- Dizziness, faintness or collapse.
- A widespread rash or hives away from the site of the sting.
- Anything that makes you feel the person is rapidly getting worse.
Do not wait to see if it settles. Say clearly that you suspect an allergic reaction to a wasp sting. Stay with the person, and keep them calm and still while you wait. Anyone with a known allergy should discuss a plan with their GP in advance.
Write down or remember the time of the sting, because ambulance call handlers and doctors will ask. If a person has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector by their doctor, they or those with them should use it as that doctor has instructed, and still call 999. This page cannot advise on dosage or medication; follow the instructions the doctor has given.
Signs that call for medical advice
Not every concerning sign is an emergency. Contact your GP, a pharmacist or an NHS advice service if swelling keeps growing after a day, if the area becomes hot, red and painful, if there are many stings, or if the stung person is very young, elderly or unwell. If the sting is in the mouth or throat, get advice promptly.
If you are not sure whether something is an emergency, it is always reasonable to ask.
For businesses, such as shops and cafes, it is helpful to keep a basic first aid kit and a cold pack on site through the summer, and to make sure staff know the 999 signs. A short chat at the start of the season is enough.
After the incident
Once the person is safe, think about why it happened. If a nest was involved, keep away from it and do not try to deal with it, since a colony of up to 2,000 wasps at its peak can swarm and sting if threatened. If a single wasp was the cause, perhaps a drink or food was left uncovered.
Tell others in the household where the nest or wasp activity was, so that nobody walks into the same place. Keep a cold pack in the freezer through the summer and know where your phone is when you are outside.
It helps to practise, in a relaxed way, what you would do. Who would phone? Where is the nearest first aid kit? Does everyone know the address to give? A few moments of thought in advance mean you are not working it out under pressure.
Keep a note of any allergy in the household somewhere visible, and make sure visitors, babysitters and grandparents know it.
Having a nest dealt with
Nest treatment is a fixed £70 per nest, with £30 for each additional nest on the same property. The price is confirmed on the phone before a technician visits, there is no call-out charge and nothing is done without your agreement. If special access equipment is needed for a hard-to-reach nest, the price may be higher, and you would be told first.
Technicians are fully insured and qualified. To book, call 07852 111 437, or use the online form or contact page. Same-day service, evening and weekend appointments and emergency bookings are available seven days a week. If someone has been stung or has an allergy, mention it so that the booking can be prioritised.
It helps to have a clear picture of where the nest is before the visit, so that the technician can go straight to it. Do not go near to check.
Wasps on your property in Hertford?
Fixed price £70 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.