What to Do If You're Stung: Wasp First Aid for Kiwis
Stung by a wasp? Here's the essential NZ first-aid guide — and the red flags that mean call 111.
Wasp stings: act fast
Wasps can sting repeatedly, and in New Zealand wasp stings are common — especially January to March. Here's what to do, and when it's an emergency. This guide is general information, not medical advice.
Immediate first aid
- Move away from the area — wasps release a pheromone that attracts more.
- Check for a sting. Unlike bees, wasps rarely leave a stinger.
- Wash the site with soap and water.
- Cool with a cold compress or ice wrapped in cloth for 10–20 minutes.
- Elevate the area if possible.
- Manage pain with paracetamol or antihistamine as directed by a pharmacist.
Red flags — call 111 immediately
Call 111 for an ambulance if you see signs of anaphylaxis:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Dizziness, fainting or rapid heartbeat.
- Hives spreading beyond the sting site.
- Nausea or vomiting.
When in doubt, call 111.
Preventing the next sting
The best first aid is not getting stung. Use the bee-safe wasp trap to reduce wasp numbers around your home, and check the GotchaPest app heat map before outdoor activities.
More help
For non-emergency advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116. For wasp control questions, Ask Buzzy 🐝.
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