We have all heard in the news some news related to the presence of velvet wasp in some area of the country, more popularly known as “Asian wasp” or “killer wasp.” The truth is that his name was unknown in Spain until 2010, the year in which he made the leap to the Iberian Peninsula and began to cause concern. Experts, in fact, estimate that this species, originally from China, in ten years could be installed throughout the national territory.
And what to do before this deadly invasion? First, keep calm and put things in context.
Yes, it is an invasive species that has no natural predators in our country and that usually feeds on bees in their early stages of growth, creating great damage to the natural ecosystem and to beekeeping and agriculture. But it is also true that few things differentiate it from a common wasp. And speaking of invasive species, have you heard of the “mandarin wasp”?
The Asian wasp usually has a larger size (up to 3.5 centimeters long in the case of queens and 2.5 centimeters in workers), which causes it to produce more poison and make the reaction after its bite more painful. The abdomen of the Asian wasp is brown with the last orange segment, while the wasps have a yellow and black abdomen. Finally, the legs of the valuation species are dark with yellow endings, while in the common wasp, yellow predominates.
So far the differences. Of the rest, stopping its reproduction requires common-sense measures that already follow the case of the common wasp, and we remind you:
- Inspect your house for hornets. They can be placed in the attic, garage or shed.
- Use trash cans with a lid.
- Keep doors and windows closed. Use mosquito nets if you must have them open.
- Keep the distance in front of the hornets (3-5 meters). Keep children and older people away from the area.
- Keep calm. Moving slowly is one of the main recommendations if you are surrounded by wasps.
- Do not shout or shake your arms. Instead of frightening them, sudden movements return to the most aggressive wasps.
- Avoid strong colors and odors. Limit the use of colognes or perfumes when you are outdoors.
Go to professionals. Whatever the type of wasp, our experts recommend not taking action on their own and go to professionals when the situation at home or in the business so requires.