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Strong wasp plague due to summer heat
Summertime is also wasp time. Insect experts assume that the particularly good breeding conditions will lead to increased wasp flight in the coming months. While wasps are usually harmless, they can be dangerous to those with an insect sting allergy.
Wasps more active due to summer temperatures
The summer temperatures are currently luring many citizens into the open. Sociable barbecues are popular, but less popular are the uninvited guests, who then also find themselves: wasps. This year, they seem to be even more numerous than usual. In addition, they are apparently earlier. As the Swiss "Tages-Anzeiger" reports, the statistics of the Pest Control Center of the City of Zurich support this subjective impression. So there were significantly more inquiries to wasps than in the last three years. However, this does not mean that there are more wasps than in other years. "In the nice weather, people are also more outside and feel more disturbed by the wasps," said biologist Gabi Müller of the counseling center. And the insect expert Beat Wermelinger said: "There are probably no more wasps than other years, they are but more active because of the warm weather. "
In recent weeks, a veritable wasp flood has broken out in Germany. Image: vectorass - fotolia Allergic reactions to insect bites
Maybe they also hatched a little earlier than in other years: "Since February, the months are all warmer than usual, which is also shown by the vegetation." In Germany, the situation is similar. However, according to Wermelinger, there are actually years when more wasps are traveling than usual: "In general, it depends on how mild the weather is at the time of colonization, say in April and May." Peter Schmid, Head of the Allergy Station of the Dermatology Clinic of the University Hospital Zurich explained that in recent days, the applications for wasp stings have accumulated: "We have several requests daily from people who want to be advised or treated for an allergic reaction to bites." As reported, respond three to five percent of people allergic to insect bites, with the severity of the reaction is very different. "This can go from a strong swelling over nettle fever to breathlessness and unconsciousness."
For allergy sufferers, bites can be dangerous
Wasp stings can even lead to death in case of allergy. However, these cases are relatively rare. According to the information, about three to five people die each year from insect bites in Switzerland. The allergy specialist also had reassuring information for parents: "For infants, insect bites are less likely to be associated with allergies that are so severe because their circulation can compensate well." A tendency to allergic reactions to insect bites can be determined with a simple blood test at the family doctor quite reliably. Although desensitizations in severe allergic reactions are relatively expensive, but very effective. The smallest portions of the wasp or bees venom are administered, so that the body can adjust to it and not overreacted in a sting.
An allergy causes massive swelling. Since there is a danger to life, an emergency doctor must be called immediately. Image: vectorass - fotolia Bees give much more poison
Wasp stings are less dangerous than bees, which give about ten times more venom than wasps. "Wasps can release their poison in doses because they use it for hunting," explained Beat Wermelinger. "Bees, on the other hand, empty their entire poisonous bladder as a last resort and lose their lives." The insect specialist continued: "Wasps eat flies, spiders, lice and caterpillars, which can also be annoying for us humans." In addition, they serve like bees Pollination of plants. According to Wermelinger, they have a bad reputation, like the hornets: "They are shy when they are close to the nest, their sting is no more dangerous than a wasp sting, and they eat wasps, among other insects." According to experts, only two species of wasps attack Europe in case of threat also people: The German wasp and the common wasp. These build their nests in burrows, in roller shutter boxes and under bricks. The nests should not be approached. If they are to be removed, experts are in demand. Normally, the landlord bears the costs of wasp infestation.
Frequently, however, such measures are not necessary at all. Experts repeatedly point out how we can keep away flies, mosquitoes, wasps and Co. on hot days. For example, setting up a bowl of over-ripe fruit at a distance of five to ten meters helps lure wasps away from the laid table. (Ad)