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Original poster

Wasps - Arrrrggggghhhhhh

84 replies

Metrobaby · 30/07/2004 13:44

OK someone please slap me but I am petrified of the things.

The other day my worse nightmare happened. I was in the car with dd and ds, waiting in traffic, windows down, when a wasp flew in. I was practically in tears when it was flying around ds (14wks), and then started crawling around his face. I had to pull over and open the doors to try and get the wasp out. I was beside myself as as everytime I tried to get dd or ds out the wasp came near them. I then had a horrible time driving home as I wasn't 100% sure the wasp had gone. I was shaking with fear for a long time afterwards.

To top it all both my neighbours have got wasps nests in their roofs, but aren't doing anything about it

OP posts:
enid · 07/08/2004 21:46

they like to eat the sap that falls from the oak trees that surround our house/car parking area so our cars are literally covered in them, you have to shove the children in, then slam all the doors in double quick time before the car fills with wasps. Makes leaving the house with the kids even more stressful than usual.

SueW · 08/08/2004 01:10

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

Gingerbear · 08/08/2004 03:57

I also read that there are lots of wasps this year, and they are on the increase due to changes in agricultural practices (organic farming perhaps??)

Went to park with a picnic the other day, but there were so many wasps around that we ate it once we got home

I do like bumblebees though.

mieow · 08/08/2004 06:57

We have lots of wasps in our garden, so many in fact we can't let the kids outside Unfortunely we have a plum tree and the wasps are attracted to the fruit. DH has said he will be cutting it down once summer has gone shame, they are lovely plums!
How can we keep the wasps near the plum tree and not all over my kids?

efmach · 08/08/2004 10:59

I really hate wasps. We bought a set of table and chairs for the garden and so far, we have been unable to sit out there and eat. The wasps are horrendous. Two of my children have been stung in the last 3 days, resulting in a trip to casualty this morning for antibiotics for my son because of an infected wasp sting.

whymummy · 08/08/2004 11:12

i've just made my own trap,i got one of those containers with a lid and a smaller lid at the top,filled it with water got clingfilm and put strawberry sauce on it,put the clingfilm with sauce facing down over the container,put lid on,open smaller lid and make small whole in the clingfilm and hey presto!!,i got 5 in there in 10 minutes,they just can't find the whole to get out
i'm having lots of fun counting the casualties

Lowryn · 08/08/2004 11:21

I noticed (once whilst camping) that people had cut plastic bottles in half, filled the bottom with jam, coke, beer or sugary water and then placed the top half of the bottle upside down creating a funnel. The wasps crawled in and then couldn't get out again.
I am going to try it later!
There was one flying around our kitchen at me bum first...Stinger out and trying to joust with me!

daisy1999 · 08/08/2004 11:26

Don't know if it's true but I've been told never to squash them as they give of an "attack" chemical when squashed causing any wasps in the vicinity to sting.

tinytoes · 08/08/2004 12:49

hi i was going to a thread on this too
i have become really scared of them to for my childrens sake(i was never to bothered before)
i hardly dare to go for a walk because one always seems to follow us(though it was maybe for duck bread?)

what i wanted to ask is do those ladybug insect repellant things that give out a sonic signal work for wasps?( i dont imagine they do but im still hoping)
hi whymummy did you visit your relies?(from a northerner e by gum)

Janh · 08/08/2004 13:14

EEEEK! Following daisy's comment I went googling and found this - OMG, it's worse than that:

Another feature unique to the wasp and hornet is that the venom contains a pheromone which alarms all other wasps in the area and invites them to join the attack on the victim. Whilst one can see the evolutionary and defensive benefits of such an alarm system, it is particularly worrying for the victim. Whilst bees therefore do fly in swarms and have the reputation for attacking in swarms, do not let the comparitively solitary journey of the wasp deceive since not only can one wasp sting more than once, but it calls all wasps nearby to come and help.

SQUASH 'EM!!!!!

(from insectstings. )

nikcola · 08/08/2004 13:22

dd got stuung yesterday at the zoo the bloody thing just sat on he hand and stung her , there where hundreds of wasps at the zoo

Flossam · 08/08/2004 13:50

I have anaphalactic shock to something else, so I worry that I will be allergic to wasps too as I have never been stung, they terrify me!!

Thought this might make you giggle though, I got stung by a bee when I was little, on my hand. It looked fluffy and soft and I thought it was cute. It stung me cause I was trying to stroke it!!

tinytoes · 08/08/2004 14:08

does anyone know the best thing to have handy if the worst does happen?

rooster · 08/08/2004 14:33

My mum told me - after I got stung yesterday, that she read in the paper, that if you have nothing else to hand then ice is the best thing.

After it happended to me I put some ice on and the swelling went down

Janh · 08/08/2004 15:49

Local treatment page from insectstings website again.

There is a link to remedies page too.

Kayleigh · 08/08/2004 16:02

my ds2 was stung this morning in the garden. the wasp landed on his shoulder and before we could flick it away ds2 had put his head onto his shoulder and obviously trapped the thing 'cos it stung him. Boy did he cry (he's just 3).

whymummy · 08/08/2004 16:06

hi tinytoes
i've just counted them and i've got 11,not bad!!
we've just been out for a meal and there was lots of wasps inside the pub too,'orrible things

Janh · 08/08/2004 16:10

for DS, kayleigh. Hurts like hell.

tinytoes · 08/08/2004 16:24

theyre so horrible
ive just become really scared of them in the last week
i really need portable solutions for them cause they always seem to follow us when out
i dont imagine that ladybird mossie repellant thing works for them-does anyone know the thing i mean-but i would like to find out if it does
wasps prob not scared by much though -except your traps whymummy

Janh · 08/08/2004 16:55

tinytoes, try to avoid wearing really bright colours when you're out - stick to white and pale pastels - IME wasps are attracted to flower-like colours. (Not sure about dark colours, I think they might attract flies instead!)

Or else just stay in until the weather changes.

whymummy · 08/08/2004 17:02

i've found this too
have a look at this

Janh · 08/08/2004 17:09

Thanks, whymummy.

"It is impossible to prevent all insect bites, but you can minimize the number your child receives by following these guidelines.

Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as garbage cans, stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and sweets, and orchards and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
When you know your child will be exposed to insects, dress him in long pants and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt.
Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints, because they seem to attract insects.
Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child, because they are inviting to insects. "

Also:

"Remember that insect repellents do not protect against most stinging insects, including wasps, bees and fire ants." Useful to know

whymummy · 08/08/2004 17:14

i know janhthere's got to be something that does,i'll carry on searching

Janh · 08/08/2004 17:26

At least we don't have fire ants!

whymummy · 08/08/2004 17:36

nothing!!
i did find a deer repellent wich might be useful if your garden gets invaded by them
looks like will have to wear a giant net over us next time we go out
lol janh,thank god for that

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