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Health Risks of Yellow-and-Black Wasps

While many people look forward to spending time outside during the summer months, yellow-and-black wasps, commonly known as yellow jackets, can be a menace and a life-threatening pest. Yellow-jacket wasps are known to be increasingly aggressive in the late summer and are attracted to food sources, such as garbage cans and picnics. Being aware of the possible health risks associated with a wasp sting or bite is important, especially if you or someone you know is allergic to wasps.

  1. Pain, Swelling and Itching

    • Pain, swelling and itching are the most common and immediate health problems following a wasp sting or bite. The area where the sting occurred will be highly sensitive. If the victim is not allergic to wasps, these symptoms will remain localized where the sting occurred and will subside as the area heals. Home remedies, such as a paste of baking soda and water, meat tenderizer or epsom salts, may help to relieve pain, swelling and itching following a wasp sting.

    Lodged Stinger

    • If the stinger is lodged in the victim's flesh, it must be removed for the pain and swelling to subside. The flesh will not be able to heal until the obstruction caused by the stinger is cleared. This can be done using a dull knife, fingernails or tweezers, being careful not to squeeze the stinger, as more venom may be released.

    Multiple Stings

    • Because black-and-yellow wasps do not have barbed stingers, the stinger does not necessarily become lodged in the victim and come out of the wasp upon stinging. Instead, the yellow-and-black wasp is able to sting its victims repeatedly. This may result in more venom being released into the victim's body and more areas where swelling, redness and pain may occur.

    Anaphylaxis

    • Anaphylaxis is the most serious health risk associated with stings or bites from yellow-and-black wasps. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that occurs when the victim's immune system reacts to the venom of the wasp. This kind of reaction is not restricted to the area of the bite or sting but is experienced throughout the entire body. Symptoms occur rapidly and may include difficulty breathing, fainting or dizziness and slurred speech. Medical attention should be sought immediately if such a reaction occurs.

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