Do Wasps Give Off a Smell When Killed?
WouterWhether or not wasps give off a scent when killed depends on the individual wasp. There are approximately 20,000 different species of wasps, most of which are solitary. A few of them are social. These social wasps use pheromones to communicate with other members of the hive.
Social wasps are not afraid of humans, but they will not attack without cause. They will fight to defend the hive or nest. When threatened, they plunge a venomous stinger into the flesh of an intruder.
Social wasps use alarm pheromones to notify their buddies that a threat is imminent. Some of these pheromones are specific to the individual members of the group, while others are general. In some cases, a group of wasps will swarm out of the nest to attack an intruder.
Wasps are attracted to certain types of smells, such as bananas, perfume, and body odor. They also tend to sting people who wear perfume or perfumed clothing. Similarly, they will sting people who step on them.
Wasps can be a nuisance, especially at outdoor meals. When you’re eating outside, it’s best to keep the garbage covered or sealed. Also, don’t leave sugary drinks unattended. Some of the chemicals used to kill wasps can have adverse effects on humans and pets.
If you find a wasp nest, use a chemical that is appropriate for your environment. Wear protective clothing and apply the chemical as far from the nest as possible.
