Yellow jackets swarm after North Carolina floods, prompting need for Benadryl and EpiPens

Flooding in North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Helene has stirred up yellow jacket colonies. Health officials said they have purchased Benadryl and EpiPens.

Severe flooding in western North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Helene has stirred up colonies of yellow jackets, raising the risk of stings.

The rain and floodwater most likely destroyed the insects’ underground nests, in addition to toppling trees or stumps that held nests, said Chris Hayes, an extension associate in urban entomology at North Carolina State University.

“Now they’re out of a home, just like many people are,” Hayes said.

North Carolina health officials said they have bought large amounts of Benadryl and EpiPens to address the problem.

“We are actively working to ensure Benadryl and epinephrine are readily available in western NC for those who may be allergic or have been stung,” Summer Tonizzo, a press assistant at the state Department of Health and Human Services, said in an emailed statement. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/yellow-jackets-swarm-north-carolina-floods-rcna173953

---