What to do if bitten by a hornet and prevention
Everyone knows such insects as wasps. The largest variety are hornets. They instill fear in people with their size and strong buzzing. An insect bite is dangerous to humans.
Bite Danger
The bite site is characterized by pain, burning, itching, inflammation, redness. Symptoms may also include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
With an allergy to wasps, even one bite can cause great danger. Death occurs from an allergic reaction to the poison. A healthy person is able to withstand from 180 to 400 bites.
Safety measures
When near an insect, it is forbidden to wave your arms. Hornets perceive such gestures aggressively. You just need to calmly walk away. Also, do not touch insect nests.
Their greatest aggression is manifested when the home is in danger. They unite the whole colony and protect their home.
Hornet.
If the hive is located in a place where people often stay, then you need to get rid of it. Such places can be cracks in attics and sheds, window frames.
Insects love old wood. Be sure to check all the places where there are old trees.
You can destroy it in several ways:
- set on fire, after dousing with a flammable liquid;
- pour boiling water (at least 20 l);
- treat with insecticides.
The most effective will be the involvement of specialists. They have special devices and protective suits. They destroy the nest very quickly.
If an insect accidentally enters the dwelling, you can drive it out with the help of a newspaper. However, it is enough to leave the window open and the giant wasp will fly away. Apartments are of no interest to them.
In order not to attract insects, do not leave chocolate, fruits, meat open. When eating on the street, they make sure that the hornet does not sit on food. Mosquito repellents will not repel insects.
First aid for a hornet bite
If it was not possible to avoid an insect bite, then it is imperative to carry out a series of first aid procedures. Here's how they work:
- wash the affected area, use cotton wool or a swab dipped in an antiseptic;
- apply ice for 20 - 30 minutes;
- apply a tourniquet slightly above the affected area;
- take an antiallergic agent;
- go to the hospital.
A mild allergic reaction is characterized by urticaria, which persists for up to 10 days. In this case, the use of an antihistamine or hydrocortisone-based cream is appropriate.
3% of people may develop an anaphylactic reaction. The signs are:
- difficult breathing;
- swelling of the throat, lips, eyelids;
- dizziness, fainting;
- rapid heartbeat;
- hives;
- nausea, convulsions.
In these cases, epinephrine is taken.
The most terrible consequences of bites on the neck and face. In these places, swelling increases over time. This can cause the person to suffocate. A few tips:
- when biting the neck and face, they do not squeeze out or suck out the poison;
- do not kill the hornet, as the nest may be nearby. The insect gives an alarm signal with the help of a special pheromone and calls on relatives to attack;
- it is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages, since alcohol contributes to the expansion of blood vessels and the spread of poison;
- do not take sleeping pills, as its action enhances the poison;
- to relieve pain, crushed aspirin is rubbed or cucumber, rhubarb, parsley root are applied. The action of garlic, baking soda (mixed with water to a mushy state), salt, lemon juice, vinegar is considered effective.
Conclusion
With the advent of summer, a huge number of insects appear. Do not be afraid of hornets for no apparent reason. The attack is preceded by affecting the nest. However, when bitten, first aid must be provided, as well as go to the hospital.
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