Wasps and Bees

Our super heat wave is diminishing ever so slightly. Today I called a pest removal firm to remove a large wasp’s nest growing against my front window.  

The wasps are living their lives, building a home, flying off to forage, feeding their young. Similar to what we humans do. With differences of course. The wasps are communal creatures, with a queen who is the mother of all. There are some drones, who mate with the queen. And the rest of the busy wasps are workers, who work all day and sleep all night. 

My first response to seeing the nest was terror. I consulted a few neighbours, and rushed off to buy a can of wasp spray. Then I went home and studied online. My daughter warned me of pheromones, a scent that a threatened wasp emits. The pheromone alerts other wasps who join the sting attack on the threat. 

Because I have a strong reaction to wasp stings, I wanted the wasps gone without risk to myself. At the same time I did not wish to harm them. They are my neighbours, not my enemies.  Plus I do not want wasp poison on the trailer, deck, or grass, or wafting through the air.  

I waited till the long weekend was over and phoned this morning. Booked an appointment for nest week. The wasp person will come and remove the nest, spraying all over.

Yesterday I got 2 bee stings in the garden. A bee got caught in my wrap around skirt. No reaction, except itch  from  2 huge red blotches on my thigh.I thought bees only stung once. The poor little thing fell out and hobbled away as I was heading inside. 

All God’s creatures. Wasps, bees, mosquitos, fleas… I wish I had the courage to let the wasps carry on till till colder weather, but I am afraid.