Wasps - Nassau County, Long Island, New York

There is a great deal of concern about stinging flying insects in Nassau County, Long Island. Stinging pests commonly build their nests near Long Island dwellings, increasing the human occupant's risk of being stung. Wasps, in particular, pose some serious health concerns as they can be very aggressive and will sting people multiple times, which renders them as dangerous.

  WHAT IS A WASP? 

A wasp is a flying insect in the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita, neither an ant nor a bee. The majority of wasps species are social insects that live in colonies, an example of which would be the yellow jacket wasps. However, there are many solitary wasps, such as the great black wasps and the cicada killer wasps. These solitary wasps often have parasitic tendencies (parasitoid wasps) and have adapted unique egg-laying techniques and methods of propagating their species. There are numerous types of wasps on Long Island, and like bees, wasps are crucial to the environment. This wide range of behaviors, species, colors, sizes, and appearance makes wasps intricate and diverse insects. 

  WASPS vs. BEES vs. HORNETS

Identifying wasps on Long Island can be challenging. There are more than four thousand species of wasps in North America. While there is significant variance in their appearance, wasps have a different look from bees, and each species does share some traits. Wasps tend to be slender insects, unlike the stout, rounded-bodied bees. Wasp bodies are usually sleeker than a bee's body. A wasp has a narrow constriction between the thorax and abdomen, unlike a bee. Wasps may have body hair, but it is usually much finer and harder to see than a bee's body hair. Hornets are the largest of the eusocial wasps. 

 THE ORIGIN OF WASPS 

The exact origin of wasps is still being debated amongst scientists. It is known that wasp species have been found in fossil records going back many millions of years. It is thought by many scientists that wasps first appeared during the Jurassic era and then began to diversify into sub-species and families during the Cretaceous era. These days, there is a strong belief that wasps descended from the insect suborder Symphata, also known as sawflies. 

 WASP NEST CONSTRUCTION & LOCATIONS

Wasp nests are constructed differently than beehives. Wasps have specially designed mandibles that enable them to build their nests, using wood fibers as their primary construction material. Queen wasps emerge from hibernation and will find a suitable location to build a nest. Depending on the species of wasp, the nest may be located in the eaves of a roof, branches of a tree, under a patio deck, in a wall void,  underground, or in the attic of a Long Island home. A queen wasp lays eggs, and hatchling worker wasps will expand the nest. The type of nest constructed is contingent upon the species of wasp that is constructing it. Paper wasps nests resemble an upside-down umbrella and are commonly found in sheltered areas, such as the eaves of a Long Island residence. Yellowjackets and hornets build large, oval nests with a small opening near the bottom where the wasps enter and exit the nest. Mud dauber wasps use mud as the construction material to build their nests. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF STUNG BY A WASP?

A wasp doesn't leave a stinger behind and is capable of stinging its victim multiple times.

The severity of the reaction will determine if any medical treatment is needed. 

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Do not scratch or rub the area.
• Use a cold compress over the area to reduce swelling.
• acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken. 
• Oral antihistamines can be taken to reduce itch and swelling.
• Topical sting creams can provide some symptomatic relief. 

A large localized reaction with severe swelling may warrant the administration of oral steroids, such as prednisone.

A life-threatening reaction or anaphylaxis is a medical emergency.

• Adrenaline should be administered to anyone exhibiting signs of shock, breathing difficulty, or airway swelling.
• In a hospital, Advanced Life Support protocols should be followed.
• Those at risk of anaphylaxis should be supplied with an EpiPen and counseled, along with their close relatives, responsible adults, or caregivers, about how and when to use it.