Why Are Wasps So Aggressive And How Can You Avoid Stings?

Typically, if you are stung by a bee, it is because you did something to upset or provoke it. If a wasp stings you, it is often simply because it could.

Many people wonder just why wasps are as aggressive as they are, and what their problem seems to be with people and other animals.

Other people simply will not take the risk of them being around and get in touch with an exterminator to get rid of any nests, but it is important to ask why wasps sting as often as they do. Is it really for no reason, or is there a method behind the hyperaggression?

The short answer is that, whilst it can seem like wasps attack for no reason, there is usually a reason for their aggressive behaviour. By understanding this, you can avoid being stung and ensure that a nest is either relocated or destroyed without anyone getting hurt.

There are thousands of different types of wasps, but they can typically be divided into solitary wasps and social wasps. The latter sting far more often than the former, and the reasons why they do this are not too dissimilar to why bees will sting.

Contrary to popular belief, not all bees will die after stinging, but in many cases, the act of stinging a large animal can be fatal, which coincidentally means that they will only use their stinger as a last resort.

By contrast, wasps have smooth stingers and can easily and continually attack targets. However, the motivations are the same; wasps sting to protect the nest, protect the queen or protect themselves if they feel cornered.

They are particularly territorial creatures, and so it is possible that you were close to a nest you did not see. Finally, in autumn, wasps tend to be more aggressive as food sources become more limited.