An application to log wasp sightings
Log Your Sighting
We want to develop a picture of wasp trends throughout the UK; where there are most wasps and how many there are. To log a sighting you can use Twitter or Facebook, or you can mark directly on the map. Use the key below to record how serious the sighting is on a scale of 1-10.
Key
1-3 Minor wasp nuisance
4-5 Multiple wasps- 6-7 wasp stings
8-10 Wasp nests according to size
Instructions
MAP: Enter your postcode above and use the slider to zoom in and click on your exact location. Then simply enter your message and the scale of the sighting.
FACEBOOK: Visit the UKWaspWatch Facebook app and log your sighting as per the MAP instructions
TWITTER: Tweet the hashtag #ukwaspwatch, your postcode and how serious the sighting is using the above key
Tips
You can use either your full postcode or just the first half of your postcode if you don't know it fully. If you use the full postcode the position of the marker will be more accurate.
Preventing insect stings
People who are sensitive to insect stings should take extra care to minimise the risk of being stung, but there are practical steps we can all take.
To avoid being stung when outdoors:
- Avoid wearing bright colours and strong scents such as perfumes and deodorants as these attract insects
- Wear long sleeves, trousers, footwear or hats to reduce exposed skin
- Use insect repellent sprays on exposed skin
- Use insect repelling products or candles
- Avoid leaving sweet drinks and foods exposed
- Look out for wasps before sitting, lying or resting
- Avoid areas where wasps cluster, such as orchards
- Wear gloves if picking fallen fruit from the ground.
Dealing with stings
- Unless you have a known allergic response to a sting, simple first aid is all that is required
- Wash and clean the sting as soon as possible, handy wipes are excellent for this
- Apply ice to the sting to cool it down and take the redness out of it
- Taking a pain killer can help with the discomfort
- If you have allergic reactions then use an antihistamine and seek medical advice immediately
- Some folklore says to use vinegar on wasp stings but this is not proven scientifically.
If you have been stung by a wasp or hornet, please refer to our guide to treating insect stings.
