What to Do if You Stepped on Ground Wasps or Bees
As annoying as they may be, wasps and bees are very important to our ecological system. Bees pollinate flowering plants, including fruits and vegetables, while wasps are natural scavengers feeding on insects such as flies, cicadas and caterpillars. When they feel threatened or an intruder has come too close to their nest or hive, bees and wasps, including those who ground-nest, will sting to defend themselves.
Ground Nesting Wasps/Bees
Landscape-America.com estimates there are 500 different species of wasps and 3,500 different types of bees in North America, most of which (99 percent) will only attack if they feel jeopardized. Ground-nesting wasps and mining bees build their nests in dry, unfertilized ground. You can recognize the area by the small granular mounds of dirt piled up anywhere from two to five inches in height. A path of dirt will lead out from the base of the pile. The nest will probably be located in a sunny dry area or under longer grass or weeds. The life cycle of these insects may be from mid-July through late-August; however, this depends on the geographical location.
If You Step on a Nest
If you happen to see an area in the ground which has much back-and-forth flying insect activity, avoid it. If you disturb a nest resulting in wasps and bees swarming around you, do not swat or swing at them. Rather find a safe destination area, preferably indoors, and move toward it very quickly. Do not stay in a stationary position assuming the insects will leave you alone; they won't. Remember to protect your face and eyes as much as possible.
Wasp/Bee Stings
Most people experience localized reaction after being stung by a bee or wasp. Typical symptoms, which begin immediately and last for a few hours, include pain, itching, swelling and redness in the affected area.
A small percentage of individuals (approximately one percent) develop a systemic allergic reaction to either bee or wasp toxin following repeated stings. Symptoms to this condition, known as anaphylactic reaction, include development of hives or a rash, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea and swelling in the mouth and throat. This condition is very serious and may require immediate medical attention.
Treatment
For a mild reaction, the sting site can be treated with antiseptic to prevent possible infection, removal of the stinger and application of cool lotions or compresses to help relieve pain and swelling. Oral antihistamines can sometimes reduce swelling and itching.
For individuals experiencing anaphylactic reaction, treatment administered by emergency medical personnel may include steroids, antihistamine medications and insertion of a breathing tube.
Tags: anaphylactic reaction, area small, Ground Wasps, Ground Wasps Bees, Stepped Ground