In summer, reports of wasps to 119 increase. The warmer the temperatures, the faster the larvae in the wasp nests grow. Especially during vacation season, there are many instances where wasps appear when people eat sweet foods or drinks outdoors.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, from 2020 to 2024, there were 3,664 cases of wasp stings, resulting in 13 deaths. On the 5th of last month, a 60-year-old temporary worker, identified as Mr. A, in Ulju County, Ulsan, died after being stung by a wasp while performing manufacturing work.
The venom from a wasp sting is 15 times more toxic than that of other bees. Being stung by a wasp can lead to respiratory difficulties due to allergic reactions and can cause fainting or, in severe cases, death. Experts advise that understanding wasp behavior can help prevent accidents.
First, you should close your mouth. Seirian Sumner, a behavioral ecologist at University College London, stated that when wasps appear at the table, you should keep your mouth shut and avoid breathing heavily.
He noted, "When a person exhales carbon dioxide while breathing, wasps may misinterpret it as a signal that a predator is attacking them." Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from wearing perfumes, cosmetics, or hair sprays when going to the mountains or fields.
You must also be cautious of visual stimuli. Wasps become aggressive when they see dark colors, so wearing bright-colored clothing is recommended. Wearing a hat to cover black hair is also a good idea. Wasps are sensitive to vibrations. If a wasp approaches, swatting it away may provoke an attack instead.
Professor Sumner stated, "If a wasp flies towards the food, it's better to let it stay until it finishes eating. Honeybees communicate and gather around flowers to gather nectar. Since wasps rarely travel in groups, it's better not to provoke them and allow them to feed freely."
If you accidentally encounter a wasp nest, it is advisable to move slowly and escape to a safe place. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, "If you disturb a wasp nest, you should lower your body and run quickly for more than 20 meters."
The largest and most aggressive species of wasp found in Korea is the Asian giant hornet. The Asian giant hornets seen outside have a body length of 30 to 45 mm. The queen can exceed 50 mm. This species has spread as far as the United States, where it is referred to as the 'murder hornet' and has become a source of fear.
In Korea, the invasive black wasp is spreading. As its name implies, the black wasp has a black thorax and head. Originally found in subtropical regions like southern China and Vietnam, it has rapidly expanded its habitat since it was first discovered in Busan in 2003. The Ministry of Environment designated the black wasp as an ecosystem-disruptive species in 2019.
The black wasp primarily preys on honeybees, causing damage to beekeeping farms. The Rural Development Administration has also developed technology to eliminate wasps using drones. The method involves remotely firing projectiles made of corn starch to create holes in wasp nests and spraying pesticides inside.
References
The Conversation (2025): https://theconversation.com/what-to-do-when-wasps-crash-your-picnic-a-scientists-guide-to-dining-safely-with-these-insects-261589