When it comes to dreaded and perhaps somewhat dangerous bugs, wasps occupy one of the first places on the list, and this is mainly due to how painful their sting can be. Now, there is a particular species that has come to sneak into the European continent, causing havoc especially in the summer, and it is, nothing more and nothing less, than the Asian Giant Hornet, an annoying little animal which we will talk about next.
What is the asian giant hornet and how to identify it?
It is a kind of wasp, very similar to the common ones that we usually see among the gardens, but of a slightly larger size.
It is distinguished at a distance by its dark yellow color, less garish than that of other wasps, as well as its corpulence. The larger ones can measure up to 1.4 inches long, while the workers can reach 1 inch, this compared to the average size of the common wasp, which is only 0.6 inches.
The Asian Giant Hornet is a diurnal insect and is usually much more active during the summer season. Their hives are easily identifiable, since they have a spherical shape, more or less the size of an orange (although they can reach greater dimensions), and a clayey appearance.
As for its diet, this plague feeds on fruits and nectars, as well as other insects, so it is common to see it roam between the flowering plants and fruit trees.
Where does the asian giant hornet have?
The Asian giant hornet is native to northern India and China, so it is completely foreign to the ecosystems of the European continent.
However, the temperate subtropical climate of western Europe has made it possible to adapt these insects to the continent, especially in Italy, France, the United Kingdom and Spain, where their expansion has become quite remarkable.
Asian giant hornet sting
Like the common wasp, the Asian giant hornet has a sting in the back loaded with poison, which serves as a weapon to attack its prey and to defend itself in case of feeling threatened.
In general, the Asian Giant Hornet sting is usually very similar to that of the common wasp but, because it is a little larger, the amount of venom it injects is greater.
The typical symptoms of the bite of this bug are usually local, including itching, redness and swelling of the area where the stinging occurred, and shooting pain, symptoms that last at least 24 hours.
However, the symptoms can be more severe in allergic people and at-risk populations, who may experience shortness of breath, dizziness, digestive discomfort and loss of consciousness, in addition to common local symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that this species of wasp only attacks when it feels threatened, so it is recommended to stay away from these bugs, as well as their nests to avoid a sting.
How to prevent the asian giant hornet sting
In view of the fact that the Asian Giant Hornet sting can be quite annoying, it is essential to know how to avoid the attack of this plague.
The first thing that is advised is to eliminate the nests and avoid providing these insects with the propitious conditions for their adaptation and development, for which it is necessary to fill the cracks and crevices in the walls and the ceiling, with putty, cement or some other material.
You can also resort to the use of aerosol insecticides to attack specific cases, because when it comes to nests or a considerable amount of wasps, it is best not to approach and contact a pest control specialist, who will evaluate the case and take out a fumigation with the most suitable products.
On the other hand, to prevent the appearance of the Asian Giant Hornet and thus minimize the risk of its bite, it is recommended to eliminate any food source that may attract this or other insects that may serve as an appetizer, as is the case of fallen fruits of the trees, the remains of food, etc.
Another alternative to prevent these pests from proliferating in your surroundings are outdoor traps, in which an attractant substance is added inside a container with a hole for them to enter and, once they are in contact with the liquid, drowned.
You can locate these traps in your garden or in the areas that tend to be frequented by these insects, which will help you avoid making their nests there and stay close to you.
With regard to spray insecticides, these can be found in supermarkets and can serve as a simple alternative to get rid of specific problems.
There are also insect repellent creams and lotions that can be applied to the skin to prevent stings of these and other insects, as well as other products designed to spray on the edges of swimming pools and on plants, although they can be a bit counterproductive since they contain pyrethrins or permethrins.
What to do in the event of receiving an asian giant hornet sting?
If despite your efforts to avoid being hit by the sting of the Asian Giant Hornet, you have been a victim of this animal, you must know what to do to calm the symptoms produced by her sting and thus avoid further complications.
The first step you must follow is to remove the stinger carefully with the help of tweezers, and then wash the affected area with plenty of water and neutral soap.
However, although local symptoms can be improved with the help of a simple pomade for stings, in the case of allergic people may be more serious reactions requiring urgent medical assistance, so, after an event like this, it is advisable to go with a specialist in allergies, who carries out the corresponding diagnosis and administers the most appropriate treatment according to the case.
Home remedies for the bit of the asian giant hornet
If an ointment does not seem enough to calm the discomfort produced by an Asian Giant Hornet sting, there are some home remedies that can be of great help to solve this problem.
· Vinegar
A practical and very effective natural remedy that you surely find in your kitchen is vinegar.
Once the sting has been extracted, you should place a cotton soaked in vinegar over the area of the sting and let it act for a few minutes. You will notice how the itching and pain characteristic of the sting of this bichillo are reduced.
· Garlic
Another great remedy to solve the problem of the bite of Asian Giant Hornet and any other species of wasp is garlic. Grab a clove of garlic and chop it in half. Then, rub one of the parts over the bite and you can reduce itching and inflammation.
· Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a good alternative to improve the local symptoms of this insect sting. You just have to take a cotton and dip it in a little oil diluted in water, and then apply it on the area of the bite, which will help to disinfect it.
Now, remember that these remedies may be favorable for less severe reactions. If you are allergic to the wasp sting, you should go to the emergency doctor to avoid further risks.
