Common Insect Bites in the Uk
Wasps get a bad rap, but honestly, they’re just hangry. A wasp sting is sharp, like a sudden jab from a needle, and it leaves a red, swollen area that throbs. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times—and they will if you swat at them.
You’ll often meet them at picnics, hovering over your jam sandwich like a tiny, striped bouncer. I once saw a dad try to shoo a wasp with a napkin and ended up flipping his whole plate of coleslaw onto his lap. The wasp won.
Why care? Because for a very few people, a wasp sting can trigger a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If you feel dizzy or your throat swells, call 999 right away. For most of us, it’s just a painful lesson: stay calm, move slowly, and let the wasp have the last bite of cake.