"Unprovoked Attacks?" Why Wasps Seem to Hate Humans in Late Summer (8 photos)
As late summer rolls around, wasps seem to turn aggressive, with attacks on humans spiking everywhere. Experts have discovered the surprising culprit behind this seasonal hostility: alcohol. 
It sounds bizarre, but it's true. Of course, wasps aren't downing vodka shots or ordering pints at the local pub. Instead, they get their fix from fermented fruit juices, which are in plentiful supply during late summer. 
Adult wasps can't actually digest the prey they catch. Instead, they chew it up to feed their larvae. In return, the larvae produce a sugar-rich secretion that fuels the worker wasps. 
But there’s an easier way to get a sugar fix. Humans often leave behind sugary waste, such as rotting fruit. Wasps happily gorge on these fermented treats—and end up drunk in the process. 
As a result, swarms of wasps descend on open trash cans across towns and cities. After getting tipsy on fermenting food, they become erratic and sting people. 
It is crucial to remember that insect stings can trigger anaphylactic shock in individuals with severe allergies. Anyone prone to severe allergic reactions who gets stung by a wasp needs prompt medical attention. Left untreated, severe reactions can lead to life-threatening complications. 
Stinging insects can sometimes attack seemingly unprovoked. However, understanding what triggered an attack usually comes down to human behavior. Wasps react defensively when people try to swat them away—a gesture the insect interprets as an assault. Avoiding sudden movements around wasps is the best way to prevent stings, as they will usually just fly past without harming you. 
In conclusion, wasps can pose a genuine danger to humans. A wasp sting can cause severe discomfort and, in extreme cases, prove fatal—requiring immediate medical intervention. Keep this in mind to stay safe during wasp season.
