If you’re stung by a wasp when tramping, what should you do?  

The introduced German and common wasps have no natural predators in New Zealand. Combine that with mild winters and plenty of food for them, and we have a wasp problem. Both wasps have a similar striped yellow and black colouring. They’re a particular problem in beech forests, but are widespread throughout the country.

Wasp stings 

A wasp doesn’t leave its stinger in the skin and can sting multiple times. Unless you are allergic, a single sting usually causes local pain, redness, swelling and itching that settles within a few hours or days. 

The result is more serious if: 

→ One wasp stings multiple times, for example if it is trapped in hair, clothing or against your skin

→ Multiple wasps sting you, such as when you disturb a nest

→ You are stung in or near the mouth

→ You are allergic to wasps.

When to seek urgent help

Seek immediate urgent help by activating your PLB or calling 111 if the victim has:

→ Received more than a dozen stings (fewer for a child)

→ Been stung on/in/near the mouth or lips, and there is any sign of swelling

→ Early signs of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) – feeling sick, rapid pulse, tight chest, fullness in the  throat, coughing and, as things progress, severe swelling, rash, feeling faint, vomiting, cramps and feeling very unwell.

Move away from the area quickly and calmly before starting treatment.

Immediately give an antihistamine tablet. For stings in or near the mouth, apply antihistamine cream to the throat and sip cold water. Treating early and unnecessarily is far better than waiting for a severe reaction. Antihistamines stop the body from releasing histamine that causes redness and swelling, but don’t prevent the effect of histamine already released. Give adrenalin or a Ventolin inhaler according to a pre-approved plan or on medical advice.

Wash the area with water to remove any remaining toxins. To reduce swelling, raise the sting site, if possible and apply a cold compress. Monitor symptoms. More antihistamines may be required  if the victim deteriorates while waiting for help to arrive. 

Minor stings

Observe the area, looking for swelling and redness which may get worse over time. Wash with water to remove any remaining toxins. Use a cold compress for about 15min to relieve pain. Take an antihistamine tablet and apply antihistamine cream for itching and swelling (unless medical reasons indicate to avoid these). Monitor symptoms; if in doubt, treat as above.

Wasp nests

If a group disturbs a wasp nest, it is often the second or third person in the line who gets stung. Wasps are aggressive and may sting anyone nearby and chase those who have already been stung. The group may get split up as people escape in different directions.

Preparation

Always carry antihistamine tablets and cream. Carry communication devices such as a PLB or SEND (satellite messenger) device.