Identifying White Striped Black Wasps and Treating Their Stings

Identifying White Striped Black Wasps

White striped black wasps are a type of wasp found across North America. As their name suggests, these wasps have distinctive white stripes across their otherwise black bodies. They are medium-sized insects, growing to about 1 inch long as adults.

Appearance and Markings

The most recognizable feature of white striped black wasps is the bright white stripes across their abdomens. These thick stripes contrast sharply with the solid black coloration of the rest of the wasp's body.

In addition to the white abdominal stripes, these wasps also have some white markings on their faces. They have black antennae and legs as well.

Nests and Habitats

White striped black wasps make nests out of paper material they gather from weathered wood items or dead plant stems. Their nests are shaped like small umbrellas, with multiple tiers of open cells to house developing larvae.

These wasps tend to build their nests under the eaves of buildings, in holes in the ground, or in cavities in trees, bushes, logs, or standing dead trees. They prefer habitats close to woods or forests.

White Striped Black Wasp Stings

What Happens When You Get Stung

White striped black wasps, like other wasp species, have the ability to sting as a defense mechanism. When threatened, these wasps can quickly sting exposed skin.

A white striped black wasp sting feels similar to stings from yellowjackets, hornets, or paper wasps. There is often a sudden, sharp pain at the sting site that then turns into burning, throbbing soreness.

Sting Reactions

For most people, a sting from a white striped black wasp leads to normal local reactions. This includes pain, redness, swelling, and itchiness limited to the area right around the sting.

In some cases though, wasp stings can trigger severe allergic reactions. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling in areas beyond just the sting, wheezing or trouble breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, and even loss of consciousness.

What to Do After a Sting

If you experience normal reactions after a white striped black wasp sting, there are a number of home treatments you can try to ease discomfort:

• Wash the sting area with soap and water
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel
• Use over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Try topical sting relief gels or creams containing lidocaine or hydrocortisone
• Use a paste made of water and baking soda or meat tenderizer

If you have signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care right away as serious reactions can be fatal.

Avoiding White Striped Black Wasp Stings

The best way to deal with white striped black wasp stings is to avoid getting stung in the first place. Here are some tips to prevent stings:

Be Aware of Nesting Areas

Watch out for white striped black wasp nests in sheltered spots like under eaves, in holes, or in bushes. Give any nests a wide berth.

Cover Food and Drinks Outdoors

Don't leave uncovered food or open drinks outside, as these can attract wasps looking for something sweet.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wear shoes, long pants tucked into socks, and long sleeves when doing yardwork or playing outside near woods or brushy areas.

Stay Calm Around Wasps

Avoid sudden movements and swatting at wasps, as this can provoke them to sting in self-defense. Move slowly and gently brush wasps off your body rather than slapping at them.

Use Caution Removing Nests

If you need to remove a white striped black wasp nest, do so at night when the colony's members are less active. You can also hire a professional pest control expert to safely eliminate nests.

Avoiding stings is the safest approach when dealing with white striped black wasps. But if you do get stung, promptly treating the sting can help manage pain and inflammation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.