OET Listening Teil B: European Wasp Dangers

European wasps feed on meat and meat products such as dog food and barbecue scraps.

They also like to scavenge sweet food and drinks and steal honey from beehives.

Their stings are not barbed like bee stings.

This means a single wasp can sting repeatedly.

The toxins in the sting will cause a powerful reaction and in some people an allergic reaction.

Because they are attracted to food, many wasp stings are in or around the mouth.

These are the most dangerous places for a sting, as swelling can result.

Minor reactions include painful swellings on the lips,

while in severe cases, there can be a blockage of the trachea due to swelling,

and in the most severe cases, this can even lead to death.