Bites And Stings

As the availability of rotting fruit continues to increase, bees and wasps become more of a nuisance and are more likely to inflict unpleasant stings. Other insects such as midges and mosquitoes also seem intent on invading our homes, especially at night, to feast.

It is fairly reasonable to presume that the average household in the UK will entertain these house guests at some point, so we have put together some tips on how to deal with the bites and stings inflicted by these unwelcomed visitors.

• Cover up, especially at night. Avoid bright clothes, perfumes and scented soaps;
• Distract wasps with some jam and water in a jar, or trap them with a wasp catcher;
• Buy decent insect repellent. Start with a natural product, such as citronella and eucalyptus, but if your having to cope with swarms of midges opt for DEET;
• If you're stung by a bee, scrape out the sting, wash the area and apply an ice pack. Then apply a solution of bicarbonate of soda or an anaesthetic spray such as Waspeze;
• With a wasp sting, wash the area, apply an ice pack, then dab on lemon juice or vinegar;
• For ticks embedded in the skin, use tweezers to grasp the heas and pull without twisting or jerking. Was the area, apply an antiseptic cream and cover with a plaster. If a rash appears, see a doctor – some ticks carry Lyme disease.
• See your doctor if you're stung in or around the mouth.

Of course, this time of year also signifies the time when the nest, which had provided a home to the colony, becomes vacant. It is now that you should be more pro-active than usual to remove the nests so they do not provide temptation for next years brood.

Bees tend to build their nests underground, and so generally remain unnoticed. Wasp nests on the other hand, are easier to spot and usually resemble a giant light brown ball made from chewed-up wood pulp.

If you are contemplating removing a nest yourself, you should be aware that there may still be some bees or wasps remaining in the nest and so utmost care and attention should be observed at all times. Your best bet is to contact a pest control professional, even if it is just for some guidance on the removal of the nest.

Article provided by SDA Pest Control