Wasp invasion in Heilbronn: How to protect yourself from dangerous stings!

Wasp invasion in Heilbronn: How to protect yourself from dangerous stings!

The warm season has hit Heilbronn in full force and thus increased the activity of wasps. Daycare centers and schoolyards are particularly affected, as they are increasingly considered dangerous due to the increasing number of wasp stings. As echo24.de reports, the German wasp (Vespula germanica) and the common wasp are the most common species found in this region. Due to warm temperatures and the increase in wasp activity after Pentecost, the need for professional pest control services has increased. Experts are currently reporting five to six orders every day to remove wasp nests in daycare centers and schools.

However, wasps are not just a nuisance; they can also be dangerous. Children and young people are particularly at risk because they often swat at the insects. This can lead to painful stings that can even be life-threatening for allergy sufferers. Johann Ekov from Effective Concept recommends keeping food and drinks covered outdoors to avoid attracting wasps. In the event of a wasp sting, those affected should take immediate action: signs of allergic shock require immediate emergency medical attention, while if pain or swelling persists, a visit to the doctor is advisable. The injection site should be cooled and anti-itch gel or ointment may be used.

Understanding wasp behavior

Wasps play an important role in the ecosystem as insect catchers and pollinators. There are a total of twelve colony-forming wasp species in Germany. According to my allergy portal Peaceful wasp species such as long-headed wasps and field wasps usually defend their nest unless they feel threatened.

Wasp queens awaken in spring at temperatures above 15 ° C, and after the death of the queen, the nests die. Until then, the wasps will increasingly look for food, especially in late summer, as food sources decrease. To protect people, it is advised to simply stay quiet and keep your distance from the nests. Light-colored clothing can help create less conspicuousness.

Dangers from Asian hornets

One should also pay attention to the Asian hornet, whose stings can be potentially fatal in Europe. It is therefore important to exercise caution when dealing with wasps and always keep your distance.

Overall, treating wasps respectfully is crucial. Avoid aggressive actions against the insects and use home remedies such as burning coffee powder to gently drive them away. Chemicals, however, should be avoided to protect the environment.