What To Do if You Get Swarmed by Hornets in New York

I remember the time that I sat in a chair on a friend's porch and suddenly I got stung...many times. It was from hornets that had made a nest underneath the chair. It was terrifying and I wish that I knew what I should have done next.

Here are some things that you should do if you ever find yourself being swarmed by hornets.

Move away from the area

Walk away slowly from the hornets' nest or the place where the hornets are swarming. Giving them room reduces the chances of getting stung and it lets you get away from their territory.

Cover your face and head

Grab anything you can find including your hands, a hat, or a cloth, and cover your face and head. Hornets can detect your movements, so protecting yourself can lessen the chance of getting stung.

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Do not swat or provoke the hornets

As much as you'll want to, don't swat at the hornets because this will only make them madder. Don’t make any quick movements that will send them into attack mode. Stay calm and collected...as you can.

Take shelter indoors or in a vehicle

If you can, go indoors or into a vehicle to get away from the hornets. Close the windows and doors to top them from getting in. This will also give you a chance to catch your breath.

Avoid hiding in water or dense vegetation

Contrary to what you might think, jumping into water might not protect you as much as you think. The hornets can still sting you if they land on your body. Once again, get inside or in a vehicle, where they can't reach you.

Get medical attention if stung

If, you get stung and start to suffer symptoms like difficulty breathing, dizziness, or an allergic reaction, it's super important to get immediate medical help. Some people have really severe allergic reactions to hornet stings, so make sure you look for any signs of an allergic reaction.

Stay safe, be cautious, and don't let the hornets ruin your day!