© Marc Hoscheid
Wasps are common in summer and can be dangerous for allergy sufferers, but with awareness, medical preparedness, and simple preventive measures, the risks can be reduced.
Even if their presence has been less noticeable at times this year, wasp numbers remain high. Encounters often happen while eating outdoors, creating unease. But how dangerous are wasps really, and what should people with allergies keep in mind?
In open spaces such as meadows, wasps are generally harmless. Problems tend to arise when they build a nest in or near a home, increasing the risk of close encounters. If they feel threatened, they are likely to sting. According to Lieke Mevis, a biologist at the nature preservation association natur & ëmwelt, a sting causes pain and swelling, and the severity of the reaction depends on the amount of venom injected. She explained that unlike bees, wasps can control how much venom they deliver, using their sting not only to defend themselves but also to hunt.
When to seek medical help
Because the sting is not sterile, it can lead to a secondary infection, in which case a visit to a doctor is recommended.
Medical advice is also essential for those who suspect they may have an allergy to wasp stings. Dr Farah Hannachi from the Immunology-Allergology Service at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL) notes that an allergy does not usually develop after a first sting. She explained that the immune system may create allergy antibodies upon initial exposure, but no symptoms will appear until a subsequent sting – whether it is the second, tenth, or hundredth – triggers a reaction because the antibodies are already present.
For people with a confirmed allergy, especially those who have previously experienced severe symptoms, doctors may prescribe an emergency kit containing an adrenaline auto-injector, Dr Hannachi explained. She added that the device is designed for use at the first signs of a serious allergic reaction: the blue end should face upwards, the orange tip should be placed against the thigh, and the dose is delivered intramuscularly for ten seconds. After use, emergency services must be contacted immediately, she said.
However, it need not reach this stage. Simple preventive measures can greatly reduce risk. For example, sealing window and door frames with insect screens can keep wasps out of the house. In nature, avoiding standing directly in front of a nest's flight path will help prevent conflict. Ultimately, wasps are usually more interested in their own activities than in people.
