What is a hornet sting?
A hornet sting occurs when you are stung by a hornet. It is a wasp species of about 2.5 centimeters in size, which is native to Germany among other countries and is one of the especially protected species. In contrast to its reputation, the hornet is a peace-loving animal that only stings when it feels threatened or when it defends its nest.
A hornet sting is usually very painful, but usually harmless. Compared to a normal wasp sting or bee sting, the poison transmitted by a hornet sting is even less strong. Only in the case of a sting in the larynx area as well as in the case of an allergy to insect venom, a hornet sting is dangerous.
A hornet sting can become so dangerous for a human being
The myth that seven or even only three hornet stings can be fatal for a person is often true. However, this is wrong, because hornet stings are not more dangerous than other insect bites. Hundreds of stings would have to occur before a life-threatening danger for a human being exists.
There are however two exceptions: Since hornets are less attracted to sweet foods such as cakes or ice cream, the risk of getting such a dangerous sting is lower with hornets than with a normal wasp, for example.
- For people who are allergic to insect venoms, even a bite can be very dangerous.
- There is also danger if the hornet stings in the mouth or throat area.
Usually a hornet sting is harmless. The insect poison is even clearly less poisonous than that of a bee.
Normally there is only a painful swelling in the area of the sting. A fatal course is possible under certain circumstances, but is extremely rare. Danger to life can exist on the one hand, if the insect stings in the area of the larynx or pharynx and the airways swell so strongly that one cannot breathe any longer.
If there is no medical treatment, in the worst case you can suffocate. However, the risk of such a dramatic course is lower with a hornet sting than, for example, a wasp or bee sting. A sting can also be life-threatening if you have an allergic reaction and medication is not given in time.
If you have a known allergy, you should therefore always carry emergency medication with you so that you can use it in time in case of a hornet sting. Normally you do not need to see a doctor in case of a hornet sting. The painful swelling can be treated well with household remedies and, if necessary, an itch-killing ointment.
However, a doctor should be consulted if the hornet sting occurs in the mouth, throat or pharynx. Due to the swelling of the mucous membranes, the airways can become blocked and in the worst case there is a danger of suffocation. Likewise people who suffer an allergic reaction due to a wasp sting should consult a doctor. In the best case, emergency medications are carried and used. If this is not the case, an emergency doctor should be called immediately in case of an allergic reaction due to a wasp sting.
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