Why are wasp bites often overlooked and how can they be treated effectively?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of wasp bites, their potential for causing harm, and effective treatment methods. Participants explore the differences between wasp bites and stings, the risks of infection, and the general lack of information available on the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about whether wasps can actually bite and if such bites can break the skin.
  • Several anecdotes are shared regarding personal experiences with wasp bites, including instances of bleeding and infection.
  • There is a suggestion that wasp bites may be overlooked compared to stings, which are more commonly discussed due to their potential severity.
  • One participant notes that bites from other insects, like grasshoppers, can also draw blood, indicating variability in insect bites.
  • Concerns are raised about the risk of infection from wasp bites, with recommendations to wash the area with soap and water.
  • Participants discuss the feeding habits of wasps and the inconsistency in available information regarding their behavior and bite characteristics.
  • Some participants highlight the relationship between wasps and other insects, noting that anatomical features may influence their biting behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature and treatment of wasp bites. There are multiple competing views regarding the severity and commonality of wasp bites versus stings, as well as the adequacy of existing information on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the available literature on wasp bites, including a lack of emphasis on the potential for infection and the variability in wasp behavior across species.

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TL;DR
Are they (wasp bites) even recognized? Available (googled) information feels kind of negligible, wasp sting dominates everything.
Already had multiple cases when I definitely had a wasp bite (with or without additional stungs), but this aspect feels neglected and though I pride myself being good in googlework I could not dig up relevant/useful information.

Wasps being predators I would expect this potentially ranged around the dangers of critter (pet) and cat bites (observed effects so far certainly would support that) but found nothing really useful.

Can anybody please point me in the right direction?

Thanks!
 
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Can wasp bites even break your skin? I can't say I've ever noticed a wasp bite before.

But I will say that I was bitten on the finger by a grasshopper as a kid. The bite actually drew blood. So who knows?
 
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What wasp bite I had as a child drew blood too and looked like ' -- ' on the skin. That one came with multiple stungs, but had no consequence apart from the immediate pain and swelling.

Then there was a case which had just one of those small cuts, and got swollen only by the next day due infection.

Few weeks ago I had it again, with infection and possibly linked consequences, but I just could not find resources.
 
That would have been a simple, straightforward case

Bites by predators are more like this
Tricky, nasty stuff...

But, wasp bites any specific info, or even just a direction?
 
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How do wasps consume their prey? Do they inject them with anticoagulents or digestive enzymes? Had never considered this.
 
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  • #10
Bystander said:
"bugs" and other critters don't brush their teeth, floss, and whatever they last ate/oozed is going to be mixed in with the "bite;"
That's my general understanding too, and kind of expected this to be more emphasized on the internet...

Regarding their eating habits, the available sources are not really consistent either.
 
  • #11
Rive said:
Regarding their eating habits, the available sources are not really consistent either.
Which of the many thousands of species have "consistent" habits? Cicada killers are solitary; tarantula hawks are solitary; paper wasps eat everything from spiders to caterpillars and flowers...there is no "consistent" in biology/entomology.
 
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  • #13
I think the issue is twofold.

1. Wasp bites are similar to just about anything else that bites you in the sense that if it breaks the skin it can cause an infection. Wash it out with soap and water, just like how you treat any other non-venomous bite, and you should be okay. If it starts to look infected go see a doctor.

2. They have stingers and inject you with toxins that cause very painful welts and can cause death in those allergic to the sting.

Number two is far more focused on because that's what happens to just about everyone who encounters angry wasps. And I'd bet far more people die of wasp stings than bites. Plus, wasp stings are just more common than wasp bites (no reference, going off personal experience and the fact that this is the first time in my life that I've heard someone say they were bitten by a wasp).
 
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  • #14
Yeah, it is likely like that. It is just in my case even the chance of infectious complication got vehemently dismissed at the very mention of wasps, even when I repeatedly emphasized that it was a bite.
Next time I will rather blame it on a cat. They purr or run or disregard regardless o0)

The topic brought up some really good reads, so - very thanks :smile:
 
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  • #15
wasps and ants are closely related - for both it probably just relates to the size of the jaws
 

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