The impression is not misleading: there are an unusually large number of wasps this summer. What is the best way to drive away the pests – and what should you definitely not do?
What better way to enjoy the consistently good weather than with an outdoor picnic? It’s just stupid that this summer there are often uninvited guests: wasps looking for food. They pounce on sausage sandwiches, plum cakes and sweet drinks. The dry weather and warm temperatures have ensured that there are a particularly large number of wasps this year. This is not only annoying, it can also be dangerous – namely when the insects sting.
The good news: Stitches on the body are usually uncomfortable, but harmless. However, some people are allergic. Anyone who knows of an existing allergy should therefore always carry emergency medication with them. If you experience shortness of breath, severe itching or pronounced swelling after a wasp sting, the emergency doctor should be called immediately. Stitches in the mouth are also a case for the doctor – in the worst case, the airways can swell and hinder breathing.
+++ Spit, onion or ice cream: Find out which home remedies really help with wasp stings +++
It is of course best to prevent stitches in the first place. But how can wasps repel wasps without running the risk of being stung? We have put together the best tips for you from experts at the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland () and the:
Just don’t blow! Carbon dioxide makes the animals aggressive
There is basically no need to be afraid of wasps, writes the BUND. The insects are “normally calm”. There is only one thing they don’t like at all – and that is being puffed on. The reason: The exhaled carbon dioxide makes the animals aggressive and tempts them to sting. Therefore, if the animals land on the cake, don’t blow on!
The following applies to perfumes: do not apply too thickly
Some wasps seem particularly intrusive: they land on the skin or float around the head. It is quite possible that they are attracted by fragrances from cosmetics. Anyone planning a barbecue evening or a picnic outdoors should therefore avoid perfume, hairspray, aftershave or fragrant creams. These attract the insects unnecessarily.
Choosing the right clothes
The black and yellow brummers prefer to wear brightly colored clothes. The colorful flower blouse should better hang in the closet. Better: wear dark, single-colored shirts.
Cover glasses and avoid cans
Open drinks should be covered with a beer mat. Drinking from beverage cans is particularly risky: From the outside, it is not possible to tell whether a wasp has crawled into the can. Avoid these if possible or use straws.
Serve chocolate cake
If you want to enjoy coffee and cake outdoors, you should serve chocolate cake instead of plum cake. “Wasps don’t like chocolate,” writes the German Wildlife Foundation.
What also works well: Lure the animals away from their own dining table with distraction feeding. To do this, put a bowl of food in a far corner of the garden. Ripe bananas or sliced grapes are best for this.
Keep calm – wasps smell fear
Even if it is sometimes difficult, try to remain calm when you see a wasp. Wasps can literally smell fear. Sweat is a warning sign for them. In any case, avoid hectic movements and do not try to chase the animals away by hitting them. That makes the insects nervous. Better: wait. The animals often disappear on their own when they have got hold of some food. If that doesn’t help either, you can try to carefully push the animals away with a newspaper or a piece of paper. But the same applies to this maneuver: strength lies in calm.
