Who stings: a wasp or a bee - how to identify an insect and avoid injury
First aid for insect bites says that it is imperative to get rid of the sting. But not all stinging insects leave a stinger. It is necessary to understand how a wasp sting differs from a bee, if only in order to provide assistance in a timely and correct manner.
Content
Wasp and bee: different and similar
Although the two species of insects are very similar to each other, they have cardinal differences. How long animals exist after a bite also largely depends on them.
Would you like to understand more about differences between bees and wasps - read.
How does a bee and wasp sting happen?
The sting of insects.
The structural features of the sting of these animals ensures the presence or absence of a sting in the wound. The bee only stings once, because sting with notches remains in the wound. Together with it, a part of the abdomen breaks out, without which the insect cannot live on.
The wasp has a completely smooth stingthat won't get stuck in the wound. Therefore, in a state of aggression, she can bite a person even several times.
Wasp venom consists of many components that cause an allergic reaction. Interestingly, it is believed that wasps bite people with allergies and those who are afraid of them. There is no scientific confirmation for this.
Characteristics of character
Bees are friendly and sociable creatures. They live as a family and sting only if something threatens their family. Their bite is not as painful as other stingers.
Wasps, on the contrary, are more aggressive and do not always sting when threatened. In addition, they also use the jaw. So the sting, and also the sting of the wasp, will be quite painful.
What to do after a bite
If, nevertheless, a bite occurs, a number of measures must be taken.
- Inspect the bite site for a sting.
Bite mark.
- Disinfect.
- Apply cold.
- Drink antihistamines.
If no allergy symptoms appear within a few hours, then there will be no consequences.
Who stings more painfully: a wasp or a bee
Schmidt scale.
There is a Schmidt scale. American entomologist Justin Schmidt tested the bite force of various insects on his own skin. Here is his scale from lowest to strongest:
- Solitary species of bees.
- Paper wasps.
- Hornets.
Conclusion
The sting of wasps and bees can cause discomfort or pain. And besides, nasty wasps can additionally bite. It is difficult to assess the pain of a bite to someone who has never come under the sharp sting of an insect.
