Wasps can be annoying and even dangerous insects. Getting stung by a wasp is painful, and some people can have severe allergic reactions. So it’s important to recognize the signs that a wasp is feeling aggressive or threatened so you can avoid upsetting it.
Warning Signs of an Aggressive Wasp
Here are some key things to look for to tell if a wasp is getting mad and may sting:
- Buzzing loudly – When a wasp buzzes loudly, it is a warning sign. This buzzing indicates the wasp is aggravated.
- Erratic flying – A wasp that is flying in jerky, zig-zag patterns or diving at you is likely angered and considering attacking.
- Stinger exposed – Many wasps withdraw their stinger within their body when at rest. If you see the stinger protruding, it means the wasp is poised to sting.
- Bumping into/landing on you – If a wasp deliberately flies into you or lands on your body, it is likely assessing you as a threat.
- Rapid crawling – When wasps walk very fast in jagged motions, it signals high aggression.
- Abdomen bobbing – A wasp bobbing its abdomen up and down rapidly is making a threat display.
- Flashing stripes – Some species of wasps, like yellowjackets, have bands of color on their abdomen. Flashing these stripes is an act of aggression.
If you notice any of these cues, give the wasp space and avoid swatting at or crushing it. This will likely prompt an attack. Slowly move away from the area to safety.
What Provokes a Wasp
Wasps become defensive and angry in response to perceived threats. Here are some common reasons a wasp may feel threatened and consider stinging:
- Getting too close to its nest – Wasps fiercely defend the area right around their nest. If you accidentally get too close, they attack to drive you away.
- Swatting at them – Swatting or crushing a wasp will immediately provoke it to sting in defense if it survives.
- Blocking their flight path – If you stand directly in the path of a wasp, this can anger it and make it aggressive.
- Breathing on them – Your breath’s carbon dioxide triggers a defensive response in wasps.
- Wearing dark colors – Wasps are more likely to land on and potentially sting lighter colors like white and yellow.
- Wearing perfumes/scented products – Strong fragrances mimic wasp pheromones and attack scents, angering wasps.
- Eating/drinking sweet things outside – The scent of sugary foods and drinks attracts wasps and causes them to defend this food source.
Avoid these triggers whenever possible to prevent WASPS from becoming defensive and stinging you.
Nesting Habits & Territories
To understand what makes wasps mad, it helps to know a bit about their nesting habits and territories:
- Different species build nests in various areas:
- Paper wasps – Under eaves, awnings, shelves, etc.
- Mud daubers – In sheds, barns, under decks, etc.
- Yellowjackets – Underground holes/burrows
- Hornets – Hanging nests in trees and shrubs
- Nests can contain hundreds to thousands of wasps depending on species
- Wasps are highly defensive within about 3 feet of their nest
- Certain species send out scouts to forage for food and defend food sources
- Late summer/fall is peak wasp season when colonies are largest
Being aware of possible nesting sites and not encroaching on their territory prevents annoyance and stings.
Stinging Behaviors
Here are some details on wasps’ stinging capabilities and strategies:
- Most species can sting repeatedly, unlike bees
- Their stinger contains a chemical that sends an alarm signal to other wasps to attack
- Some wasps swarm and sting in groups when threatened
- Larger wasps like hornets and cicada killers inflict more painful stings
- Only female wasps have stingers, but males can bite
- Wasps tend to be most aggressive in the hottest days mid-summer
- Cooler weather in fall makes them more docile
Understanding stinging habits allows you to react appropriately to minimize stings. For example, running away can trigger an attack response and make things worse.
Signs of Calm vs. Aggressive Wasp
Learning to distinguish between a relaxed and an upset wasp helps avoid provoking them. Here are some signs of a calm wasp vs. an aggressive one:
| Calm Wasp | Aggressive Wasp |
|---|---|
| Slow, meandering flight | Fast zig-zagging or jerky flight |
| Lands delicately | Dives quickly at target |
| Stinger retracted | Stinger protruding and visible |
| Still abdomen | Rapid bobbing of abdomen up and down |
| Ignoring your presence | Fly directly at or land on you |
Stay calm yourself if you notice an angry wasp and slowly move away. Remain still if it lands on you and don’t swat at it.
How to Avoid Upsetting Wasps
Here are some tips to prevent wasps from becoming upset with you:
- Give any visible nest a wide clearance of 15-20 feet
- Avoid swatting or crushing wasps, even if they land on you
- Stay still and slowly move away if a wasp flies near your face
- Avoid rapidly waving arms or swiping if you see wasps buzzing around
- Prevent attracting them by limiting sweet scents and foods outside
- Wear light colored clothing without bold patterns
- Don’t wear strong perfumes or scented body products outdoors
- Check under eaves and outdoor furniture carefully for hidden nests
- Seal up any holes or cracks in walls that could harbor nests
- Call a professional to remove problem nests
With care and caution, you can greatly reduce angry encounters with wasps. But if you do get stung, treat the area with ice and seek medical attention for any allergic reaction.
What to Do If Stung
In case you do accidentally upset a wasp and get stung, here is the proper first aid:
- Wash the sting area with soap and water
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling and pain
- Elevate the stung limb if possible to slow venom spread
- Avoid squeezing the stinger if still present, as this releases more venom
- Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or baking soda paste to itchy stings
- Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine to relieve itching
- Use an epinephrine auto injector if major allergic reaction develops
- See a doctor for multiple stings or severe reaction
Most wasp stings are just painfully sore, but be vigilant for any signs of serious allergic reaction.
Wasp Sting Allergy Symptoms
Some people are allergic to wasp venom. Here are red flags that may indicate anaphylaxis requiring emergency care after a wasp sting:
- Swelling away from the sting site
- Hives or rash spreading across body
- Tightness in throat or chest
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness, confusion or fainting
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Swelling or tightness in throat
- Bluish skin, lips or nails
Don’t take chances with these severe reactions – call 911 and get medical help immediately. An epinephrine injection may be required.
Deadly Wasp Species
While most wasp stings are just painful, some giant tropical species can inflict lethal stings with potent neurotoxic venom. Here are some of the deadliest:
Asian Giant Hornet
- Up to 2 inches long
- Extremely painful sting, like hot metal driving in
- Venom destroys skin & red blood cells
- Mass attacks release alarm pheromone attracting more
- Average of 30-50 fatal stings per year in Japan
Tarantula Hawk Wasp
- Bright orange & black bodies, up to 2 inches long
- Paralyzing sting to capture tarantulas
- Rated #2 on Schmidt Sting Pain Index
- Pain lasts about 5 minutes
- Not aggressive unless threatened
Bullet Ant
- Large reddish-black ants of South America
- Extremely painful sting, like being shot
- Rated #1 on Schmidt Sting Pain Index
- Pain can last 24+ hours
- Used as initiation ritual by indigenous peoples
Luckily these giant wasps with super toxic stings aren’t common. But it’s wise to learn what they look like just in case and avoid them at all costs!
Conclusion
Wasps provide benefits like eating garden pests but can also pack painful stings, so it’s important to learn their behaviors. Avoid triggering aggressive responses by watching for signs like loud buzzing, erratic flying, exposed stingers, and abdomen bobbing. Give nests a wide berth, don’t swat at them, and prevent attracting them with food and fragrances. Stay calm and move slowly away if a wasp acts upset. Take care of stings properly and watch for allergic reactions. Being cautious helps prevent those angriest wasps from stinging!
