Asian wasps and how to protect yourself from them when clearing a farm

Taking preventive measures while weeding helps avoid being stung by velutine wasps. For example, wearing a beekeeper’s mask, which protects the face in case of contact with a wasp. Also, it is good to cut the undergrowth carefully and use a stick to hit the nest. In this way, the workers will know if the land is full of wasps or not.

the velutines

These are wasps from Southeast Asia that have also invaded areas of Europe where the climate is temperate subtropical, mainly the west of that continent. These wasps make nests in trees, walls and hills, so they are very common in farms and forest areas.

In addition to this, we mention that this type of wasp is a predator of bees and also eats fruits such as grapes, plums or apples. In this way, if a large nest of these wasps grows in vineyards, it could affect the harvest, thus reducing the amount of grapes to sell. In addition, these wasps also feed on the nectar of flowers.

On the other hand, it should be noted that they are also called velutinas, due to the biological name of this insect, vespa velutina. These wasps are larger than European hornets and their nests have their hole on the side. Instead, the hornets’ nest has the exit at the bottom.

An Asian hornet nest can have approximately 2,000 of these insects inside, but by nature they do not attack humans. However, when people try to destroy their nest they attack. That is, they act to defend the nest and the queen, biting whoever bothers them.

Normally, it is difficult to see the nest of the velutinas, because they often do it in the highest parts of the trees, making it difficult to find it easily. The queen starts the nest, but the worker wasps finish building it, reaching up to 1 meter high and 80 cm in diameter. The nest has an oval design and is created with wood fiber.

In addition to this, we mention that the queen can have a size of 3.5 cm and the worker is smaller, measuring 2.5 cm. However, it is common for male worker wasps to reach 3 cm. Their growth will depend on the food they are eating and where they live.

Consequences of Asian wasps on farms

Sometimes these wasps create very large nests on farms, affecting the growth of field fruits, as they damage or devour them. Also, velutines kill bees, preventing the production of honey. The Asian hornet sits outside the hive waiting for the bees to approach. These are captured even if they are flying, because the velutina is bigger and faster.

Likewise, we can say that if you get close to their queen, these insects can bite you. The stinger of these is like a pin, so the sting will hurt and create pain and swelling, as if burning the skin. Therefore, it is harmful for the person to be stung many times. In addition, the velutins have a poison that can cause strong allergic reactions such as swelling, red eyes and, in some cases, the collapse of vital organs of the human being, that is, death.

For that reason, we recommend that people engaged in beekeeping and agriculture fully protect their bodies in areas where there are many velutinas. In addition to this, individuals who are allergic to hymenoptera venom should avoid working in places where these wasps nest, as a small sting could be very harmful.

Clearing with protective equipment

Before thinking about how much a brushcutter costs (in this link you will find several products to analyze) you need to know this aspect, because you must use safety implements when you go to cut the weeds, especially in the summer season, since the Asian wasps appear more frequently in this season. For example, one of the first preventive measures is to use a beekeeper’s mask, which will protect your face and head. It is worth mentioning that there are three types of masks: square, fencing and round mask.

In the first place, the square one is the most common, although it tends to give a little heat, since it has less distance between the nose and the grille. If you are going to clear many hours in the middle of summer, it is best that you do not acquire this model of mask.

On the other hand, the fencing type mask provides more comfort as well as good visibility. However, it protects a little less from the sun.

In addition, there is the round mask, which offers more space between the protective grille and the face, so it is also very ergonomic.

Tips for clearing a farm with caution

One of the most important tips that beekeeping experts share with us is to clear the flattest part of the land first. Later, when cutting the weeds on walls and arrises, we must pass a long stick through the weeds and make sure that no Asian wasp comes out. However, when velutines appear, we must move away, since it is not recommended to approach them at any time. In addition, our advice is to call a velutin extermination specialist as soon as we know that there is a nest on the farm.

It is also advisable to wear a full suit that protects our body. We must do this even if we have not seen an Asian hornet on the ground, because it is best to clear the farm with great caution.

On the other hand, even if we have a basic or professional brushcutter, the noise of this machine will prevent you from hearing the sound of Asian hornets flying. In this way, it is best to turn off the brushcutter for a moment if you suspect that there are velutinas nearby.

How to exterminate Asian wasps

One way to prevent the invasion of these wasps is to exterminate them before they make nests in various parts of the farm. To do this, call someone who is specialized in this task. It is not recommended that a farmer approaches these wasps without experience.

If it is an emergency and you cannot find a velutin exterminator near your farm, the most appropriate thing is to quickly move away from the area where the wasps are and cover your body with a special suit or something that protects you. In this way, you will not suffer abundant stings from velutinas. Also, remember that if you don’t disturb them, they will be quiet in their nest and won’t want to bite you.