What is Wasp Sting?
There are various types of wasps in the world. Of these, most of the common Wasp Stings that we usually come across are caused by wasps in residential areas such as paper wasps, yellow jacket wasps and hornets.
Wasp stings are quite similar to bee stings but the main difference lies in the fact that most of the wasps are more aggressive than the bees and hence tend to bite repeatedly. However, it has been observed that in case of Wasp Stings, the volume of venom is usually lesser than that of a bee sting.
While differentiating between the wasps and bees, it is worth noting that unlike honey bees that live in large colonies of honeycomb hanging vertically, wasps usually live in small umbrella shaped papery combs that tend to hand horizontally in places like eaves, attics or soil cavities.
Wasp bites or stings are quite painful. They can be healed effectively at home with the help of several home remedies for Wasp Sting natural treatment.
When dealing with Wasp Stings and Bee Stings, one should be aware of the fact that Bee Stings are acidic whereas Wasp Stings are alkaline. Knowing this useful fact can help a great deal in deciding the proper home treatment of Wasp Stings.
Causes of Wasp Sting
Wasps usually attack humans in defense when they fell threatened by human presence. Wasp Sting venom contains specific pheromones that attract other wasps in the nearby area as well.
Consequently, when faced by a wasp attack, one should try to run away from the area as far as possible. Besides, most of the cases of Wasp Stings take place during the warmer seasons. Yellow jackets, hornets and paper wasps are commonly found in temperate climates.
Wearing too bright or too dark colored clothes, particularly the ones with floral designs and wearing perfumes, sunscreens or other cosmetic items with strong smells tend to attract wasps thereby increasing the chances of Wasp Stings and bites.
Staying in proximity with isolated settings like bushes and closed wooden sheds also increases the risk of possible Wasp attacks.
Symptoms of Wasp Sting
Some common symptoms of Wasp Stings are pain, irritation, itching and swelling on the site of the bite. Sting of a paper wasp is generally more painful than a hornet or yellow jacket wasp sting.
Multiple Wasp Stings may also give rise to additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fever, headache and other similar toxic reactions. Wasp venom may also trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals.
Such cases are characterized by anaphylaxis symptoms such as flushing of the skin, hives, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips and difficulty breathing due to narrowing of the air passages because of swelling, anxiety etc. The victim should seek immediate medical attention in case of allergic reactions which can prove to be fatal if not cured in time.
Natural Home Remedies for Wasp Sting
Before applying any of the following Wasp Sting home remedies, it is essential to first wash the affected area with a mild soap and water.
• Applying cold compresses is the most popular and widely used method of effectively dealing with Wasp Stings and bites.
• Placing a cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural home remedies for Wasp Sting. The acid content of this natural remdy is useful in neutralizing the alkaline venom of the Wasp Sting.
• Applying some pickle juice also serves as an effective natural cure for Wasp Sting treatment at home. Lemon juice can also be used in the same way to heal Wasp Sting naturally.
• Placing a slice of potato on affected area can help reduce Wasp Sting related pain and discomfort considerably.
• Crush some fresh basil leaves and put the oils so released on the affected area is a highly beneficial Wasp Sting home remedy.
• Coating with the affected area with a paste of meat tenderizer and water is one of the most popular home remedies for Wasp Stings and bites.
• Rubbing aluminum based deodorant or a paste of baking soda and water on the affected area is helpful in reducing the swelling and irritation. Similarly, a copper coin can also be rubbed on the sting.
• Gently rubbing the site of the sting with a piece of onion is considered as one of the most valuable natural home remedies for Wasp Sting. Continue this therapy for about five minutes to help relieve Wasp Sting swelling, pain and redness. Garlic also helps to cure Wasp Sting in the same way.
• Simply applying some mud or green clay on the affected area for about 15 minutes is also beneficial in easing the pain and discomfort caused by Wasp Sting.
• Lavender oil, olive oil and aloe vera gel make for good Wasp Sting natural remedies as they tend to facilitate the process of healing.
Diet for Wasp Sting
The diet for treating Wasp Sting should be aimed at aiding the natural healing process of the body. Therefore, the diet should include judicious amounts of fruits vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds rich in essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and vitamin E.
Besides, take proper preventive measures when going in isolated areas with possible hidden wasp nests. Also, as far as possible, avoid Wasp Stings by not agitating an approaching wasp by swatting it.
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