Often people mistake hornets for big wasps (their cousins). Without knowing what they are dealing with, they put themselves in great danger.
After all, the hornet, whose bite can be fatal, is much more dangerous than an ordinary wasp due to its size and the higher content of neurotoxin in the poison. Most often, these insects attack when someone tries to damage their nest or makes sudden movements near them. Pheromones are used to signal danger. That is why you can not leave a dead insect near the house. Even a dead hornet is dangerous. The spreading smell can then attract a whole swarm of his relatives. And then expect trouble. Enraged insects can easily attack a person.
Signs of a hornet bite
Hornets, like wasps, can bite repeatedly. After that, local reactions develop, such as swelling, pain, redness, as well as general malaise (headaches, often fever, symptoms of poisoning). A bite in the neck, and even more so in the throat, can lead tosuffocation, anaphylactic shock and death. On the right is what a hornet bite looks like. The photo gives an idea of the danger of this phenomenon.
What to do if stung by a hornet
Reactions to a bite are of two types: allergic and toxic. If the poison enters directly into the vessel or near it, then a loss of pressure can occur, up to a fatal outcome. This is especially scary if the hornet, whose bite is so dangerous, stung in the neck or head. It is necessary to immediately apply something cold to relieve swelling and not hesitate to call an ambulance. If you are suddenly stung by a hornet, its bite before the arrival of doctors can also be treated in the following ways. Mix well a special solution of vinegar, water and ammonia. After rubbing the sting site, then apply a compress. You can replace such a solution with lemon juice or even in extreme cases with urine. These measures will help relieve swelling and reduce the rate of absorption of poison by the body. If you have allergic reactions, you must immediately take the drug "Cordiamin", as well as an antihistamine medicine (drugs "Suprastin", "Tavegil", etc.). A quick visit to a doctor is a necessary condition for avoiding dangerous consequences.
What are the consequences of hornet bites
As a rule, the sting of hornets is not too dangerous for humans. However, the consequences depend on the presence of an allergic reaction, as well as the localization of the bite site. Of course, they are very dangerous if they are in the neck, throat, head, and also where a person has the largestvessels of the circulatory system. After all, then the poison can, once in the blood, spread very quickly and reach the brain. The main complications of hornet stings are Quincke's edema, urticaria, disruption of the heart (sometimes even stopping it), suffocation.
How to protect yourself from bites
In fact, the hornet, whose bite is so frightening, is a fairly peaceful representative of insects. If he is not touched or provoked, he will not attack. But if the attack has already begun, then the whole family will join it. How can you prevent the stings of these insects from turning against you?
- Be careful in the forest or in nature. Avoid using spicy perfumes with pungent aromas.
- If the hornets have already flown up, in no case should you make sudden movements, try to drive away the insects. This will only make things worse.
- Don't touch the insect nest if you find one. The hornets are as responsible as possible to protect housing.
- When you see the nest, try to move to a safe distance as soon as possible. Hornets do not lead the enemy for a long time. Their pursuit distance is much shorter than that of bees.
