Tuesday, January 6, 2015

YOU STING ME IN MY HOME, THEN YOU'LL PAY FOR IT

Was up much earlier than usual this morning as Phil was taking our car to the RAC for it's six monthly service.  If he gets there by 8 a.m. a very kind gentleman brings him home (and he is picked up again when the service is complete) so he leaves home about 7.40 a.m.  Sometimes I am fortunate enough to go back to sleep but it had been a very hot night, the bedroom was rather warm and Candy seemed to think I should be up and about so up I got.

I pottered around in the kitchen for a while and then I thought I'd wander out to my workroom and see what I may find of interest if I logged on to Facebook.  I'd hardly sat myself down when I felt something on my back (I was wearing a sunfrock you see).  I shrugged my shoulders as I couldn't reach what it was and I felt a slight sting.  I immediately got up (I don't leap up these days) and there sitting on the back of my chair was a paper wasp.  It flew away and I couldn't find it anywhere.   My back began an annoying itch so I knew for sure it had 'got me'.  I am more allergic to bees than paper wasps which is fortunate as I was on my own so, apart from a mild shock at having been stung, I was OK.

When Phil was delivered home at about 9 a.m. I told him what had happened and he began hunting the wasp as well but still no sign of it.   After breakfast, armed with out trusty fly swat, Phil again began a search for the wasp and sure enough there it was on the window.  The luckless wasp was then no more.  Now, if it had stung me outdoors he'd have escaped and it would be his territory anyway but when they invade my house and sting me then they are doomed.

We have actually had two paper wasps inside in the past couple of days and I am wondering where they are coming from.  Candy brings in all types of small lizards and actually brought in a cricket yesterday but I doubt she would be able to pick up a wasp without herself being stung.

We couldn't get to the chemist without the car but Phil was picked up at 3 p.m.  to collect the car and, on his way home, he popped into our chemist and bought some antiseptic cream which was suitable for stings.  He covered the area well and it has taken about 2 hours to feel much relief but I can thankfully say that the itch has decreased a lot and I think another application after my shower will make me feel even more comfortable.


12 comments:

  1. Ouch! Sorry you got stung Mimsy. My Mother-in-Law was allergic to bee stings. It was always a bit scary for her in the summer time.

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    1. Thank Denise.....the ointment Phil bought and administered worked to some degree but today the itch has gone thank goodness. I am more allergic to bees than wasps but not seriously so fortunately.

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  2. Always nasty to get a wasp/hornet or bee sting. So painful sometimes. Glad Phil 'took care' of it.

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    1. Yes it is although I've never known anyone be stung by a hornet. We don't see many of them around and steer well clear when we do.
      Thanks again to Phil for being such a great carer.

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  3. Ouch. The nastiest wasp sting I have had was when one of the rotters stung me in the underarm while I was swimming. And it blew up like an orange.
    It sounds as if you need to keep some antiseptic cream in the cupboard. So glad that Phil could help and you got some relief.

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    1. We don't get stung all that often but will keep the antiseptic cream in the medicine box just in case of future problems.
      I have seen wasps flying over water (the paper wasps do that on out bird bath quite often) so you would have to be careful when swimming. Fortunately we don't see any European wasps in WA so no problems at BBQs etc. They are here but the Ag Department keeps a close eye on them and so far so good.
      Today the itch stopped and what a relief. Phil is certainly my main man.

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  4. Now I know what a paper wasp looks like. I had a stinging insect in my home last week, black or very dark brown with orange markings and a long flattish body. I've always thought they were "native" wasps, but I'm going to have to go to google now and find out what it is. I drowned it in flyspray and it fell into the space underneath the window winder, so I can't get it out and take a photo.
    I'm very glad you aren't allergic to the sting, being home alone in such a situation would be scary.

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    1. You can tell a paper wasp because when they are in flight their legs hang down unlike the European wasp which tucks its legs up in flight.
      Phil has been stung by both and says the effect is similar. They are much itchier than bee stings for some reason.
      Yes, being home alone was a worry so I just sat quietly and didn't panic as you can be stung several times and suddenly develop an allergy.

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  5. Hari Om
    Yeeecchhh..... not nice. Hope it settles fully. Wonder if there is a nest nearby? YAM xx

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    1. No not at all nice Yam. There are usually several paper wasp nests around the place and we give them a wide berth but where the two got indoors I have no idea. Just have to be more careful in future.
      So glad that rotten itch has gone though. xxx

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  6. I can say I am one of the lucky ones in this world - I have never been stung by a bee or a wasp. Touch Wood!!

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    1. Good for you Jacana as most people have it happen to them occasionally. I am fortunate that mosquitoes don't seem to like me although my daughter and one of her daughters are always attacked by them.
      Hope your touching wood will keep you clear of all nasties.

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