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.
Wasp phobia - Spheksophobia
Professor Alex Gardner is a Chartered Psychologist and Psychotherapist. Here he gives a brief overview of why people are frightened of wasps and how to cope:
“Wasp phobia is very common. A phobia produces an extreme reaction to a perceived threat; it is a kind of anxiety disorder. The fear experienced is very real, and makes the body produce fight or flight hormones; adrenaline makes the person suddenly very alert and ‘jumpy’. Whilst the best thing to do when this happens is try to stay calm, this is often easier said than done for someone with a true phobia of wasps.”
Top tips for dealing with wasp phobia:
- Try to stop the feeling of panic, the situation will pass away quickly if you are in control
- Breathe slowly and deeply. This is something you can practice so it comes naturally to you
- Move slowly and carefully away from where the wasp is - violent and sudden movements can make the wasp more aggressive
- Try to put your fear into perspective. Wasps are not life threatening for most people
- Don't focus on the wasp. The more you attend to your fear the worse the response will be.
- Over time, try to de-sensitise yourself and re-learn the way you deal with wasps. Observe one from a safe distance and gradually reduce the distance between you and the wasp. By standing perfectly still you will learn that the wasp is not a threat to you
- Talk to other people about your phobia - you may pick up some hints and tips on how to overcome your fear.
Go to the library and read about wasps and their habits – knowledge is power!