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Authorities are warning residents in Canberra to be careful around wasp nests, with a spate of serious stinging attacks occurring this year.
In the last month, 12 Canberrans reported serious stings and 1,000 people called the European wasp hotline, with one victim suffering at least eight bites.
Pest officer with Territory and Municipal Services Jenny Conolly said officers were destroying at least two wasp nests a day.
“The nests are getting quite large, they’re very aggressive, they won’t hesitate to sting and attack,” she said.
“They have been known to fly at your face and squirt venom, so we always wear sunglasses.”
Medical experts, including Dr Raymond Mullins, a consultant physician and allergy expert at the John James Centre, warned of the potentially rare and serious consequences of wasp stings for allergy sufferers.
“The major concern is the people who get the top-to-toe rash, can’t breathe or in the worse case scenario drop their blood pressure, collapse and end up in hospital,” he said.
‘I could feel a venom trail up my arm’
Ms Conolly said despite the protective clothing, she was stung last year when a wasp crawled up inside her sleeve.
“Within five to six hours I could actually feel a venom trail leading up my arm,” she said.
John Emery, a tree watering contractor, was stung several times in the suburb of Harrison on Wednesday.
“I filled the basin with water, as per usual, and the next thing these European wasps just flew out and attacked me,” he said.
The wasps swarmed him and eventually crawled inside his clothes.
“I felt one bite me in the groin which wasn’t real nice,” Mr Emery said.
“It is an issue. Everyone has just got to be aware.”
Scientists also expressed concern about the potential long-term environmental impacts of the growing wasp population.
Entomologist Dr Philip Spradbery said wasp nests in the bush were known to have severe environmental consequences.
“They will absolutely clear out an area of all insect life,” he said.
Make sure you know how to treat wasp stings by attending a first aid course in Canberra. We will provide you with this and much more at Canberra First Aid and Training. Contact us now on 0449746357.