Wasps and plant bugs are a common sight wherever greenery is observed. Wasps are seen hovering a few inches above lawns, flying in loops and figure eight patterns, according to Britannica, with mostly females attempting to dig through soil in search of grubs and tunnels to lay their eggs in.
Other bugs belong to the family Miridae, which is one of the largest heteropteran families. Also known as leaf bugs, they are brightly coloured and feed primarily on plant sap, causing serious crop damage. Plant bugs occur throughout the world and are soft-bodied and small, less than 10 mm (0.4 inch) long, and are easily identified by their four-segmented antennae and their beak.
How can you get rid of them safely?
Deepak Sharma from Indian Pest Control Company shared easy ways to get rid of wasps and plant bugs without endangering yourself:
Wasps:
- Locate the nest — often in wall corners, under roof tiles, vents.
- Spray at dusk or dawn — use a wasp spray when they’re less active.
- Destroy the nest — once they’re gone, remove the nest completely.
- Seal entry points — close gaps in walls, attic, windows.
- Hang a brown paper bag — looks like another nest—they stay away
- Spray peppermint oil + water mix — wasps hate the smell.
Plant Bugs (like mealybugs, aphids, etc.):
- Wipe leaves with neem oil + soap solution — kills bugs without hurting plants.
- Use a strong water spray — knocks them off the leaves.
- Add natural predators — ladybugs, or just let ants handle them sometimes.
- Quarantine infected plants — don’t let it spread to others.
Plant wasps look for grub tunnels to lay eggs (Source: Freepik)
Here are some common mistakes you should avoid
For Wasps: Trying to swat or burn the nest. Spraying during the day as well as not removing the old nest.
For Plant Bugs:
• Overwatering – Using chemical sprays indoors and ignoring the first signs
• Not checking undersides of leaves
Which is deadlier?
A wasp sting can be deadly, especially since wasps don’t leave their stinger behind, and as such, can end up stinging you repeatedly.
“The sting causes immediate sharp pain, accompanied by a burning sensation. It generally leads to way more localized swelling than honey bee stings,” Dr Shrey Srivastav, MD (Internal Medicine), Sharda Hospital, Noida told indianexpress.com
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He mentioned that a wasp sting may cause a systemic allergic reaction, however, in such cases anaphylaxis is less common. In fact, a wasp sting rarely causes organ damage, unless there are multiple stings or a prior case of sensitization.
And what should you do immediately?
Dr Srivastav added that in case of wasp stings, washing the sting site thoroughly, and applying ice to reduce swelling is the first order of business. “Use antihistamines for itching or swelling, and most definitely seek help if dizziness, swelling of lips and tongue, or breathing issues occur,” he advised.
According to him, multiple stings are counted as medical emergencies. “Always observe for delayed systemic signs like hematuria or breathing difficulty,” he pointed out.
