Are Wasps Dangerous? Understanding Stings and Nest Disturbance in Redhill
Children and pets are curious and quick, and they rarely notice the warning signs a wasp nest gives off, so the adults need to do the noticing for them.
Why young children and animals are more exposed
Adults can usually spot a nest entrance and steer clear. Children see a buzzing hole as something interesting. Dogs sniff at it, cats paw at it and toddlers point at it. None of them understands that the wasps may defend the colony, and all of them move in ways that look threatening: running, shrieking, grabbing and flapping.
A smaller body also means that a given number of stings has a greater effect. That is why a disturbed nest near a play area deserves a quick response, even though one sting on its own is rarely a disaster.
The fact that wasps rarely attack without a reason is helpful to remember. Teaching children respect rather than fear is the best approach, because fear leads to flailing and running, and those are the movements that draw wasps in.
Teachers, childminders and parents of toddlers often tell us the hardest part is simply knowing where to look. Start with the places children congregate, such as sandpits, climbing frames and shaded corners.
Rules that work for children
Short, simple rules are the most effective, and children respond best when they understand a reason.
- We stay away from places where wasps are going in and out.
- If a wasp comes close, we stand still or walk away slowly, with no waving.
- We do not throw things at nests or poke sticks into holes.
- We finish drinks and ice lollies indoors, or check cups before drinking.
- We tell a grown-up straight away if we see lots of wasps in one place.
Role-play can help younger children. Practising walking away calmly is much easier than learning it in a panic.
Let children know that telling an adult about a wasp hole is helpful and clever, not something to be scared of. When children feel that they are part of the solution, they tend to follow the rules.
Younger children may also need a gentle reminder at the garden gate or the back door, since they forget quickly once they start playing.
Protecting pets
Dogs that snap at wasps risk being stung in the mouth or throat, which can be serious because swelling there may affect breathing. Keep dogs away from the nest and on a lead if they are likely to investigate. Cats and small outdoor pets should be kept indoors or moved well away until the nest has been dealt with.
If an animal is stung, or seems distressed or unwell afterwards, contact a vet, who is the right person to advise. We cannot give veterinary advice.
Small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs in outdoor hutches are at risk too, because they cannot move away. If a nest is near their enclosure, move them to a safer spot, at a distance and without disturbing the wasps.
If a child is stung
Stay calm, because your reaction shapes theirs. Move the child away from the wasps. Wash the area, remove the sting if you can see one, and hold a cold pack against it for a while. Offer reassurance, and keep an eye on them for a time afterwards.
Call 999 if you notice swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheeze or difficulty breathing, dizziness or a widespread rash. If a child has been stung several times, or you are worried for any reason, call NHS 111 or your GP for advice. Families who know a child is allergic should speak to their GP about a plan.
Cold packs are not always handy, so a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean cloth is a good substitute. Make sure it is not placed directly on bare skin for too long.
Out and about with children.
Away from home, the same ideas apply. At parks, playgrounds and campsites, keep an eye on food and drink and tell children not to chase or swat at wasps. If a wasp lands on a child, stay calm and encourage them to stand still. Praise good behaviour afterwards.
If you find signs of a nest at a public place, such as wasps entering a bin shelter, a gap in a fence or a hole in the ground, tell the person responsible for the site. Move your family away from the area and avoid the spot until it has been dealt with.
Making the garden safer day to day
Cover bins and compost, clear up fallen fruit and wipe up spills quickly. Wasps are drawn to sugar and protein, and picnics and barbecues are common starting points for encounters. Check cans and cups before drinking, as wasps can crawl into them without being seen.
If you notice wasps flying to the same spot repeatedly, mark it in your mind and keep everyone away. Put a gate or chair across the path if you need a physical reminder.
For schools, nurseries and childminders, the same principles apply on a larger scale: keep children away from the area, tell staff, and arrange for professional treatment.
Teach older children not to throw anything at a nest and not to poke sticks into holes. It is surprising how often this is the cause of a serious incident.
Arranging treatment in Redhill
We cover Redhill, in the Nottingham area, and surrounding villages seven days a week, with same-day service available. A trained, fully insured technician treats a nest for a fixed £95 per nest, and there is no call-out charge. An additional nest at the same property is £35 extra. We confirm the price on the phone before anyone visits, and no work starts until you agree.
Ring 0115 937 5117, or use the booking form on our contact page, to get a time agreed. Please mention if children, pets or anyone with a sting allergy are at the property.
Wasps on your property in Redhill?
Fixed price £95 per nest, no call-out charge, same-day service available.