Taking to Facebook, Exterminator Arnold Sciberras showed the severity of being stung by the Oriental hornet, which is currently plaguing many Maltese urban areas.
‘For those still not convinced’ read the statement, ‘the Oriental hornet sting is one of the worst in the local terrestrial animal kingdom. The sensation is like being stabbed by a red-hot needle.’
Accompanied by images of his own hands, one stung and the other not, the post highlighted how the anguish from the sting lingers and how the swelling ends up taking place.
A ‘substance called mastoparan, not found in bee venom, and phospholipase synergistically act to degrade immune cells and spur widespread inflammation.’
‘In combination with kinins, these chemicals can break down blood and muscle cells. Usually, the stung part severely swells and continues aching for a few days.’
Speaking to MaltaDaily, Arnold highlighted what to do when facing a hive of these hornets. He urges people to not act like ‘cowboys’ and not to experiment with ways to deal with them.
The hornets ‘are not simply an ugly creature, like the cockroach, but a very dangerous one as well’ he said. Dealing with these hornets requires professional help so as to avoid any nasty and painful injuries.
#MaltaDaily
