Brecon: Man stung 160 times by wasps after they invade his home

Wasps normally only sting if they feel threatened, said Natalie Bungay, technical officer at the British Pest Control Association, external (BPCA).

“The problem is a wasp in distress emits a pheromone that sends nearby colony members into a defensive, stinging frenzy,” said Ms Bungay.

“That’s right – scare a wasp and it might call for back-up.”

Although it may be easier said than done, NHS advice, external is not to wave your arms around or swat at wasps but remain calm and move away slowly.

And if you had any other ideas about giving them the slip, wasps will not be fooled by anyone trying to “play dead” said Debugged, external, a blog by pest control giant Rentokil.

“Do not seek shelter in a body of water, as the wasps will simply wait for you to re-emerge,” it advised.

Unlike bees, wasps do not die after one sting.

They can, and will, sting you a few times, said Ms Bungay.

“While being stung by one wasp isn’t normally dangerous, 30 or 40 stings could kill you,” she said.

If you are stung you should pull out any stings left in the skin and wash the area with soap and water, according to NHS advice.

Doctors recommend applying ice or a cold flannel to the site for 10 minutes and elevating the area to reduce swelling.

You can also take over the counter remedies such as antihistamines and painkillers.