Wasp Sting Remedies:
Wasps are a category of insects that are probably more closely related to ants than bees but because of the fact that they sting, they tend to be associated more with bees. Wasps and bees are fundamentally different because bees are not solitary but some species of wasps are. Additionally, the stinging action of a wasp is also different from a bee.
Bees sting once, ripping the stinger out of their bodies, leaving it on the intended victim. However, they die soon after. Wasps, on the other hand, don’t have barbed stingers that get wedged into the flesh of the victim.
They are instead more of reusable hypodermic needles that can repeatedly sting the victim sometimes to death from the toxicity to their venom.
Venom is a type of protein-based toxin that can have a myriad number of effects on human beings from simply causing a rash due to the presence of histamine in the venom or is aimed at paralyzing the victim due to the presence of neurotoxin in it. Neurotoxins can work at several levels but all fundamentally disrupt the chemical interactions between synaptic relays. Our human nervous system works not as a continuous closed circuit but rather on the basis of chemical bridges. Between the ends of two neurons called synapse, a bioelectrical current cannot pass so neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine move between synapses to complete the circuit. Neurotoxins break this circuit by attacking these chemicals; sometimes leaving the body completely incapable of moving.
Wasp stings can be treated with anti-venom but since they are fundamentally proteins, a protease or a protein destroying material administered early enough can limit the damage. The best in this regard is papain from the papaya plant or meat tenderizer that is very useful in bee and wasp stings and also mosquito bites. Since wasp stings can tend to cause anaphylactic shock in some individuals, it makes more sense to ensure that you don’t get stung in the first place. This has to be done by destroying hives and nests when they are in your home. The best way to do this is to wait until sundown when the wasps are in their home and then simply burn the hive down. Some nests that are underground don’t need any more than a gallon of diesel to destroy the nest and its inhabitants. Care must be taken and proper clothing worn before doing these tasks.
