Did You Know That Wasps Release a Chemical When They Die?
WouterGetting stung by a wasp isn’t pleasant, but it’s not the end of the world. Wasps don’t sting just to be mean. They are actually helpful to humans and are considered beneficial insects. In fact, they are often used for natural pest control.
Wasps don’t sting just because they want to; they will actually defend their nest with their stingers. Often, they will relocate prey back to their nest.
When a wasp feels threatened, it will release a pheromone to alert the rest of the colony. This pheromone is not specific to a particular location, but can be detected by other creatures.
The CDC reports that 62 people die from wasp stings each year. Although the CDC doesn’t know the exact number of wasp deaths, it estimates that there are around a million wasps in the United States.
The CDC also reports that the sting of a wasp is not the only way to die. There are other methods of death that are more painful and dangerous, such as anaphylaxis. Wasp stings are more common than stings from hornets, ants, and bees, but they aren’t the only way to die.
Aside from pain, a wasp’s sting can cause a medical emergency. You should call an emergency medical service if you experience pain, swelling, or redness in your skin.
Wasps will usually defend their nest and release pheromones to signal danger. However, it’s not always the case. For instance, if you stomp on a wasp, you might release the pheromone, but it won’t be as obvious to you as if you were stung by a stinging insect.
