DALLAS — Be on the look-out for increasing numbers of bumblebees and wasps during the rest of August and September, says a Texas A&M entomologist.
“It’s been a banner year for bugs, especially bees and wasps,” according to Dr. Michael Merchant, urban entomologist in Dallas. “From now into September, their numbers will increase.”
People run the highest risk of getting stung when they disturb the insects’ nests. Both bumblebees and yellowjackets will vigorously defend their nests. This can happen to gardeners while weeding a flower bed or digging in a vegetable patch. Bumblebees and yellowjackets nest in the soil. They often build in a hole, such as a hollowed-out spot in old railroad ties used for landscaping, or in gaps at the edge of retaining walls or driveways.
“Yellowjacket wasps are the fiercest,” warns Merchant. “There are far more yellowjackets in a colony, sometimes thousands in a single nest. And it doesn’t take much to get them stirred up. If you get into this situation, get away as fast as you can.”
Yellowjackets are scavengers, feeding on caterpillars and other garden pests, and hence can be beneficial. But because they also are attracted to sugars, they may become unwelcome guests at a picnic.
“It’s no fun to find a yellowjacket has crawled inside your soft drink,” he said.
Paper wasps, sometimes called red wasps, are another summer “stinger.” Unlike the others, they build their nests up high under eaves or in crevices. Their nests resemble a gray papier-mache honeycomb. They too can be very aggressive in defending their domains.
“Bumblebees, yellowjackets and paper wasps can and will sting repeatedly when disturbed,” Merchant said. “Only the honeybee leaves her stinger behind, rendering herself unable to sting again. If you are stung, remove the stinger carefully to minimize the amount of venom you receive. Honeybee stingers continue to pump their venom into the skin even after the bee has detached itself.
“People who are allergic to bee stings should seek medical treatment immediately. Likewise, anyone who experiences symptoms, like itching or swollen eyes or difficulty breathing or swallowing, after being stung should consult a doctor.
“To control yellowjackets and bumblees, apply a light dusting of Sevin , or another appropriately labelled insecticide, to the opening in the ground. Don’t plug the hole. Each wasp going in and out will pick up a bit of dust and spread it to others, thereby helping you rid your garden of their nest.” For above-ground nests, Merchant recommends one of the commercial wasp sprays that shoot 20 to 30 feet.
“These are effective and keep you at a safe distance when treating the nest.”
Merchant cautions with two “Never’s.”
“Never try to exterminate these pests yourself if you’re allergic. Get someone else to do it. It can be life threatening if you’re stung. And never use gasoline on wasp nests. Not only can it harm the water supply and kill grass and plants, but this practice is extremely dangerous.
“If you have lots of flowers in your garden, you’re likely to see bumblebees. They’re attracted to both the nectar and pollen. Don’t be alarmed if you see them buzzing around your flowers–they rarely sting then–they’re more interested in the food supply.
“Of the commonest wasp species, the mud dauber is the most peaceable,” Merchant said. “He’s a solitary soul whose mud home can be safely scraped off and discarded without fear of getting stung.”
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