To properly understand hornets and deal with them safely
Summer and autumn are the seasons when hornets are most active. Many people instinctively brace themselves when they hear the buzzing of their wings. While the impression that being stung is dangerous is widely known, surprisingly few people have a proper understanding of their habits and what triggers their attacks. In this column, we will explain the ecology of hornets, the times and places to be careful of, and what to do if you are stung. Having the right knowledge is the first step to protecting yourself.
What kind of wasp is a hornet?
Hornets are a type of social wasp, and a queen bee and worker bees come together to build a nest. All worker bees are female, and they build the nest, care for the larvae, secure food, and defend against predators. Males only appear for a limited time in the fall.
There are approximately 70 species of hornets in the world, and 17 species in Japan. Large yellow hornets and small hornets are commonly seen in areas south of Honshu, while smaller black hornets and giant hornets are commonly seen in Hokkaido.
Times and places where you are most likely to be bitten
Hornet queens begin building nests in the spring (around May). At this time, the nests are still small and less wary, making them relatively safe.
Nests grow from summer to autumn (August to September), and depending on the species, the number of worker bees can reach hundreds to thousands. At this time, hornets are very vigilant and aggressive in their efforts to protect their nests, so this is the time when stings occur most frequently.
Where do hornet nests get built?
Wasp nests are often built in hidden places such as attics or in bushes.
Examples: In bushes, stumps, underground, under the eaves of a house, in the attic, etc.
If you notice anything unusual about the way hornets fly or their numbers increase, it's a sign that there is a nest nearby, so be careful.
What to do if a wasp threatens you
When hornets sense an enemy near their nest, they will take warning actions to tell the enemy not to come near. For example,
When hornets approach their nest, they may fly around persistently, hover in the air as if targeting the target, or make a clicking noise to scare them off.
When you see these warning behaviors, the golden rule is to stay as still as possible without making any unnecessary movements. Waving your arms vigorously or running away will only provoke them and increase the risk of them attacking you. When leaving the nest, it is important to expose as little skin as possible, crouch down, and slowly move away from the area.
First aid measures if you are stung by a wasp
If you are stung by a wasp, follow these steps to treat it:
However, if you experience anaphylactic symptoms such as hives all over your body or difficulty breathing, call an ambulance immediately. Most deaths from hornet stings are caused by anaphylaxis.
1. Remove toxins
A poison remover is useful.
2. Cool
Applying ice or a cold towel to the area can help reduce pain and swelling.
3. Medication
Use antihistamines and steroid ointments as directed by your doctor.
in case
To avoid the worst-case scenario, it's important to be aware of hornet habits and act with caution. Dark clothing and strong-smelling hair products and perfumes are particularly likely to irritate hornets, so avoid them when outdoors. Wearing a hat, long sleeves, and long pants is also effective in reducing skin exposure.
It is also a good idea to carry first aid items such as poison remover and antihistamines just in case.
By keeping the correct knowledge and these attitudes in mind on a daily basis, you can prevent hornet damage from occurring.
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References
・Forestry Research to prevent hornet stings during forest recreation
https://www.ffpri.go.jp/pubs/chukiseika/documents/1st-chukiseika-5_6.pdf
