HALEAKALA - Visitors are being asked to take precautions at Haleakala National Park as large numbers of western yellow jacket wasps are bothering people there, park officials reported Friday.
While summer months usually see an increase in the number of insects, this year has been "exceptional," officials said, particularly at the base of Keoneheehee (Sliding Sands) Trail (3.9 miles down in the crater), at the trail junction to Halemau'u Trail where horse tours normally stop and at Kapalaoa Cabin. Wasps are at other locations in the park, although fewer in number.
The wasps are attracted to water, meat, sweets (both food and drink) and sweet-smelling perfume, cologne and sunscreen.
"These aggressive insects may swarm around people who stop for a snack or a meal and may sting without warning," officials said. "Unlike bees that sting once and die, wasps sting repetitively. More than one wasp may attack at the same time."
The western yellow jacket is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long with yellow and black stripes across its body. It is native to the western United States and Canada.
Park officials advise people who are allergic to wasp or bee stings to carry their prescribed medications and consider not visiting areas with large numbers of wasps.
"If wasps are swarming around you, put away any food or drink and walk calmly away from the swarm," officials advise. "If you are stung by a wasp while visiting Haleakala National Park, remain calm. Do not swat at these wasps - this will only make them more aggressive."
Mild reactions to stings include redness and swelling around the sting site and possible itching. Severe reactions include anaphylactic shock, difficulty breathing, hives, itching and other reactions.
People suffering serious conditions need to call 911, go to the nearest visitor center or stop a park staff member to report a medical emergency.
