Wasp alert! Experts warn against fatal blowing as a defense

Wasp alert! Experts warn against fatal blowing as a defense

The warm September days always invite you to relax in the garden or enjoy the last rays of sunshine outdoors. But many moments of enjoyment can be suddenly disrupted by the constant companions of the warm months: wasps. Especially now, when the “wasp season” is reaching its peak, many people are confronted with a growing sense of unease because the many flying guests – even the brave ones among us – often do not know how best to deal with the small animals.

As the authority in the field, the German Wildlife Foundation, warns, a fatal mistake when dealing with wasps could pose far more dangers than you think. The expert Eva Goris particularly emphasizes that blowing as a means of defense is one of the worst ideas ever. The breathtaking fact is that the carbon dioxide we breathe sounds like an alarm to wasps. If we simply blow out of reflex, we could only make the wasps aggressive, as they perceive such a movement of air as a threat. This may be the reason why allergy sufferers in particular should be very careful: painful stings can really create a threatening situation.

The role of wasps in nature

But before you panic, it is advisable to remember the positive functions of these animals. Wasps, although often perceived as a nuisance, play an important role in the ecosystem. This includes the pollination of plants and the control of pests? A circumstance that should not be ignored. According to the experts, of the approximately 600 native wasp species, only two, the common wasp and the German wasp, are interested in our delicacies. It is also important to know that these animals are protected and we should treat them with respect.

What helps when dealing with these winged creatures? The experts advise staying calm! Instead of frantically reaching for a fly swatter, try pushing wasps away slowly and gently with your hand or a piece of paper. A creative way to combat the annoying insects could also be a mist of water from a clean spray bottle, which acts like a rain signal for the wasps. By the way, the “wasp spook” usually ends with the first frost at the end of September.

A sweet treat without risk

While we're talking about the little joys in life, culinary pleasure shouldn't be neglected either. A popular treat in the warm months is sorbet. This is a fruity, frozen dessert that consists of pureed fruit, water and sugar. For those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, sorbet is an excellent choice. It's important to note that not all sorbet products are actually dairy-free. Sometimes ingredients like cream or milk are added for texture. It is therefore advisable to read the product labels carefully.

The variety of sorbet flavors is varied. Popular variants include lemon, raspberry and mango. The main ingredients that make up a traditional sorbet consist of fresh or frozen fruit, water and sugar. Natural flavorings and, in some commercial products, stabilizers for a smooth texture are also often found. To ensure that you choose a truly lactose-free product, you should pay attention to terms such as “sorbet” or “fruit ice cream” and avoid consuming products with “ice cream” or “gelato”.

A quick tip: make sure the sorbet you want is labeled “dairy-free” to avoid unexpected surprises. After all, enjoying delicious sorbet is one of the best ways to make the most of summer!

In these final weeks of summer, it's important to keep an eye on both the wasps and the sweet treats. So nothing stands in the way of enjoying the last warm days!