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Carrollton Resident Allegedly Stung by Cicada Killer Wasp
07/26/2017
News Stinging Insects Tips/Solutions
On Thursday, July 20th, Carrollton resident, Heather Reynolds, took to Facebook to share a shocking image of herself after she was stung by what she believes to have been a Cicada Killer Wasp. The image got attention quickly as her eye was nearly swollen shut. However, this specific pest is not usually considered to be a sting threat as far as humans are concerned. This factor prompted our team to reach out to Ms. Reynolds gather more information and share it with Maryland residents.
Upon first reaching out to Ms. Reynolds, she immediately opened up about her experiences, because she wants to spread the word about what these insects can do. Within minutes, Reynolds was rushed to the hospital where she was given shots, pain medicine, and questioned about the stinging insect. “It was one of the scariest moments of my life,” Reynolds says.
Why Was She Stung?
As Reynolds was taking out the trash Wednesday, she began hearing a buzzing noise near her head causing her to instinctively swat at the insect hoping it would fly off. However, it then got tangled in her hair. While trying to pull it out of her hair, it stung her eyelid. She then said that it “stung like crazy, felt like her skin was ripping off, and then it went numb.” Therefore, it is likely that the wasp felt threatened by her after getting swatted at, stuck, and then pulled on. After speaking with doctors and having multiple shots, Reynolds still has some swelling around her eye 5 days later.
Did a Cicada Killer Wasp really sting her?
Upon looking at the image of her swollen face, it's clear she was stung by something. However, it is highly uncommon for Cicada Killer Wasps to sting humans. Females of this species can sting, however, it's highly uncommon. Reynolds' description of a black and yellow insect that she “initially thought was a wasp but didn’t look like a normal wasp” matches the description of a Cicada Killer Wasp. However, Reynolds was unable to provide us with an image of the pest, and the Cicada Killer Wasp is commonly mistaken for the European Hornet—for which the description also matches. Therefore, we are unable to confidently state which stinging insect is guilty of stinging Ms. Reynolds.
No matter which pest stung the young woman, we want to take this opportunity to encourage clients to avoid stinging insect nests as much as possible and to contact professionals upon discovery. If you spot a stinging insect, it is best to simply avoid it, don’t swat at it and don’t attempt DIY treatments. If you or someone you know needs to stop stinging insects around your home, contact American Pest for a free estimate. Our pest professionals have been rigorously trained and know the safe and proper ways to remove these dangerous pests from your property while also keeping you and your loved ones safe.
