Where is the stinger on a wasp

Another major distinguishing characteristic between wasps and hornets is their nesting behavior. Most wasps are solitary, prefering to build their own solitary nest or joining just a few others in building a small colony.

If you notice a nest with low activity, the insect in question may be a wasp. Hornets, however, tend to be highly social, and a single hornet or yellowjacket nest can feature hundreds and even thousands of individuals all working together. A hornet nest will feature the same level of activity as an average bee hive, which can be an immediate clue that the stinger in question is in fact a hornet.

Whether you believe your backyard or favorite summer spot is feeling the pressure of hornets or wasps , ignoring this issue is simply not an option for those looking to get out and enjoy the warmth before fall.

Call 1. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter. The big questions, though: what exactly is the difference between a wasp and a hornet?

Request A Quote Bees vs. Wasps vs. Hornets While bees, wasps, and hornets may all share some things in common - wings, stingers, nests, and colors - a closer look shows that all three are actually quite different. Bees Of all stinging insect pests to worry about, bees should almost always be at the bottom of the list. Wasps While easy to mistake for your average bee from a distance, wasps actually come from a different family of insects under the same order, Hymenoptera.

Hornets Bigger, badder, and more dangerous than any bee, hornets are among the most feared of all flying stinging insects. Ok So… Wasps Vs. Other wasps evolved away from the practice, but the venomous stinger remains -- no longer an instrument of reproduction, but a potent biological weapon.

Wasp venom is produced inside a venom gland , then stored in a venom sack. From here, it seeps out through valves to coat a smooth, barbless stinger. The wasp keeps this wicked little weapon stored inside a sheath, ready to plunge it into prey or aggressors at a moment's notice. The males don't have stingers, but this doesn't stop them from bluffing. When cornered, male wasps have been known to brandish their harmless behinds in an empty threat.

But how does wasp venom work, and how can something so small hurt so much? Read the next page to find out. If you're unfortunate enough to be stung by a wasp, the first thing you should do is get away from any known wasp nests. Once you are away from the threat of further stings, you can start worrying about alleviating the pain and swelling.

To do this, thoroughly wash the afflicted area first. Then, apply a washcloth full of ice in minute intervals. Afterward, it may be necessary to apply creams or take medication to deaden the pain.

They contain a medicine called epinephrine, which you should take right away if you get a wasp sting. Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline from anywhere in the United States.

They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If an emergency room visit is necessary, the health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Symptoms will be treated. The person may also receive:. How well a person does depends on how allergic they are to the insect sting and how quickly they receive treatment. The faster they get medical help, the better the chance for recovery. The chances of future total body reactions increase when local reactions become increasingly severe. People who are not allergic to wasps, bees, hornets or yellow jackets usually get better within 1 week. DO NOT put your hands or feet in nests or hives or other preferred hiding places.

Avoid wearing bright colored clothing and perfumes or other fragrances if you will be in an area where wasps are known to congregate. Elston DM. Bites and stings. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Erickson TB, Marquez A. Arthropod envenomation and parasitism. Aurebach's Wilderness Medicine. Otten EJ.